Assay of blood acetaldehyde by HPLC with fluorescence detection of its 2-diphenylacetyl-1,3-indandione-1-azine derivative.

A simple sensitive method for the assay of blood acetaldehyde is described. Samples are collected into an organic solution of 2-diphenylacetyl-1,3-indandione-1-hydrazone. Proteins are precipitated immediately and carbonyl compounds react to form fluorescent azine derivatives. Methanol in the reagent mixture prevents the oxidation of any ethanol present, precipitates protein and releases any absorbed acetaldehyde. After protein removal, the reaction is completed by the addition of an acid catalyst and a portion of the reaction mixture is subjected to quantitative analysis by high performance liquid chromatography.