Validation of LC-MS/MS method for determination of rosuvastatin concentration in human blood collected by volumetric absorptive microsampling (VAMS)

In light of the shift toward patient-centric clinical trials, a measure of simplifying blood collection process and minimizing the volume of blood samples is on the rise. Volumetric absorptive microsampling (VAMS) is a microsampling device developed for blood sampling in non-hospital settings, which enables accurate hematocrit-independent collection of 10 or 20 µL of whole blood with a simple finger prick. In this study, liquid chromatography (LC)-tandem mass spectrometry workflow for quantification of rosuvastatin after VAMS sampling was developed and validated. The VAMS sample was stabilized by matrix drying and the optimum LC conditions and extraction methods were used to reach adequate sensitivity with lower limit of quantification verified at 1 ng/mL in 10 µL of blood. The bioanalytical method to quantify rosuvastatin from 1 to 100 ng/mL in VAMS sample was qualified by specificity, carryover, linearity, within-run and between-run reproducibility and stability. Inaccuracy was less than ± 6% and imprecision was less than 10% after analyzing the samples on 5 different days at all concentration levels. In addition, the feasibility of delivery to the analytical laboratory after home sampling during the guaranteed stability period of 10 days at room temperature was confirmed by evaluating concentration changes after VAMS sampling without adding pH buffer. Our results suggest that VAMS sampling did not have an effect on the stability of rosuvastatin, and it is a viable option for simple and accurate blood collection at home.