Determination of poly(ethylene glycol)-400 in urine by fourier transform–infrared spectrometry

Abstract

A simple and rapid method for the analysis of poly(ethylene glycol)-400 (PEG-400)(used in the study of intestinal physiology) in human urine is described using Fourier transform–infrared spectrometry. The quantitative measurements were carried out by using the absorbance value of the C—O—C band (wavenumber 1100 cm^–1). The lower limit of determination of PEG-400 in human urine was 0.8 mg cm^–3. Analytical recovery of PEG-400 added to urine controls was 99.6%. The results of the analyses of one urine sample were compared with those obtained by using high-performance liquid chromatography. Limitations and advantages of the two systems are discussed.