Radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis of selected elements in drug samples with 8-hydroxyquinoline preconcentration

The preconcentration performance characteristics of precipitation of Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Pb, Ni and Hg with 8-hydroxyquinoline (8HQ) and subsequent filtration through cellulose nitrate membrane were investigated for the X-ray fluorescence spectrometry identification and determination of trace metal ions in drug samples. Several parameters of the method were optimised, including pH and amount of 8HQ. The investigated ions were collected on cellulose nitrate membrane filter (Pragopor 4) as their complexes after the reaction with 8HQ. To conclude, optimal reaction conditions were found out (pH 10.5 for Fe, Co and pH 11.5 for Mn, Cu Zn, Pb and Hg, volume of 20 μl of the 2 % solution of hydroxyquinoline). Thereafter, the content of these elements was determined in the active substances of the infusion and injection solutions, i.e. NaCl, glucose and dextrane, and the results were compared with those ones obtained after the preconcentration with thioacetamid. The rapidity of this method, its multi-element character and low detection limits proved this method to be a very promising in rapid screening in quality control of drugs.