Analytical methods for quantification of tranexamic acid in biological fluids: A review

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is a synthetic derivative of the amino acid lysine with antifibrinolytic properties. There is still a lack of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data concerning variable age groups undergoing surgeries with high blood loss. The optimum dose and administration schedules of TXA are still subject of research, aiming at a safe inhibition of fibrinolysis in the perioperative period. Hence, effective methods for determination of TXA in biological samples are needed. The aim of this review is to discuss the required sample treatment procedures and the analytical methods applied for quantification of TXA, focusing on selected derivatisation agents and internal standards. Methods comprising a separative step (GC, LC or CZE) coupled to spectrophotometric, fluorimetric and mass spectrometry detection were considered, showing a tendency for implementation of MS/MS methods in more recent reports. Detection limits ranging from 0.01 to 0.5 μg mL− 1 in blood plasma were so far attained using LC-MS/MS.