Optimization of fluorescence detection for the determination of labetalol in plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography.

A sensitive reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic method for the determination of labetalol has been developed. A mobile phase consisting of citrate buffer (pH 6.5), acetonitrile and 2-propanol and an RP-8 column were used. The sensitivity of the fluorescence detection was enhanced to 1 ng/ml of labetalol in plasma by optimizing the emitted light. General guidelines for optimization of fluorescence detection are discussed.