Determination of α-Amanitin in Serum by HPLC

A reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic method for the quantitative determination of α-amanitin in serum of poisoned patients is described and discussed. The methodology developed is simple and rapid with a minimum of sample preparation steps required. Detection is very sensitive, allowing quantitation of 25 ng of α-amanitin/ml of serum. The technique described is a useful tool to determine the severity of Amanita phalloides intoxication during the first 24 h after ingestion of poisonous mushrooms.