Simple method for the determination of inorganic sulfate in human serum and urine using single-column ion chromatography.

A single-column ion chromatographic assay with conductivity detection was developed to determine inorganic sulfate concentrations in human plasma and urine samples. Plasma samples were ultrafiltered to remove proteins. Plasma ultrafiltrate and urine samples were diluted prior to injection onto the anion-exchange column. The described method is simple, fast, sensitive and reproducible and was used to study the effect of subchronic administration of acetaminophen on the plasma concentrations and urinary excretion of inorganic sulfate in healthy volunteers.