Rapid diagnosis of chronic myeloid leukaemia by linking PCR to capillary gel electrophoresis.

The move to the use of molecular diagnostics in medicine has gathered momentum in the last few years and new methodologies are being sought to reduce the labour component and hence the cost of these molecular diagnostics. A method is described which links PCR to capillary electrophoresis and this allows both a rapid and quantitative diagnosis. In the example provided, the diagnosis of chronic myeloid leukaemia, the method describes improvements in cost per test, greater sensitivity over traditional methods and an estimate of the level of product.

Distinction between genotypes of Lupinus species by sodium dodecyl sulphate-gel electrophoresis and by capillary electrophoresis.

Effective distinction was achieved among a wide range of lupin grain samples by either sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS)-gel electrophoresis or capillary electrophoresis, based on grain-protein composition. Capillary electrophoresis was faster (< 1 h) and provided slightly greater distinction between the samples. On the other hand, SDS-gel electrophoresis could provide a greater through-put of samples in a 24 h period.

Determination of a cardiac antiarrhythmic, tricyclic antipsychotics and antidepressants in human and animal urine by micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography using a bile salt.

A micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatographic method based on the use of sodium taurodeoxycholate has been developed to detect and quantitate of 26 tricyclic drugs. Detection limits in urine down to 4 ng/ml have been obtained. The method uses a simple liquid-liquid extraction and recovery of analytes followed by ultraviolet detection.

Chiral differentiation of the optical isomers of racemethorphan and racemorphan in urine by capillary zone electrophoresis.

A novel capillary zone electrophoretic method based on the use of propanol-modified beta-cyclodextrin buffers has been developed; it unambiguously detects and quantitates the optical isomers of racemethorphan and racemorphan without prior derivatization. Detection limits in urine down to 20 ppb have been obtained. The method uses a solid-phase extraction recovery of analytes followed by ultraviolet detection.