New trends in sample preparation for clinical and pharmaceutical analysis

Sample preparation is necessary to isolate the desired components from complex matrices, because most analytical instruments cannot handle the matrix directly. Recent trends in sample preparation include miniaturization, automation, high-throughput performance, on-line coupling with analytical instruments and reduction in solvent volume and time. This article reviews recent advances in sample preparation techniques for forensic, clinical and pharmaceutical analysis, with special focus on in-tube solid-phase microextraction and related new techniques. (C) 2003 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.