Modified high-performance liquid chromatographic method for the determination of ertapenem in human urine: enhanced selectivity and automation.

A column-switching, reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) assay for a new structurally unique carbapenem antibiotic, ertapenem, in urine has been improved for selectivity and automated using a Packard MultiPROBE II EX pipetting station. The method uses column-switching for on-line extraction of the urine sample. The extraction column, analytical column, mobile phase, and timing of the column-switching valve have been changed to enhance selectivity for the analyte over endogenous background material. Sample transfer and dilution prior to direct-injection into the HPLC system have been accomplished using a Packard MultiPROBE II EX robotic liquid handling system.