Analytical strategy for the confirmatory analysis of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs firocoxib, propyphenazone, ramifenazone and piroxicam in bovine plasma by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry

A sensitive and selective method for the simultaneous determination of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in bovine plasma was developed. Confirmatory analysis was carried out by liquid chromatography coupled with an electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrometer (LC-ESI–MS/MS). Target compounds were acidified in plasma and extracted with acetonitrile. Sodium chloride was added to assist separation of the plasma and acetonitrile mixture. The acetonitrile extract is then subjected to liquid–liquid purification by the addition of hexane. Accuracy of the methods in plasma was between 93 and 102%. The precision of the method for the basic NSAIDs in plasma expressed as % RSD, for the within-laboratory reproducibility was less than 10%. Decision limit (CCα values) and detection capability (CCβ) values were established. The methods were validated according to Commission Decision 2002/657/EC.