Automation and optimization of sample preparation of levothyroxine sodium tablets for drug-content analysis by online HPLC

A manual sample preparation workflow for the analysis of drug-content in levothyroxine sodium tablets (0.025 mg) was automated and the extraction times were optimized using the accroma sample preparation system. The goal was to reduce extraction and overall sample preparation hands-on time without compromising recovery.

Levothyroxine drug contents were determined using online HPLC (interfaced to accroma) to calculate recoveries. 20 Levothyroxine sodium tablets were prepared manually via ultrasound and intermitted shaking and compared to automated sample preparation workflows of different milling- and extraction times. Grinding and extraction were performed by vertical shaking in the accroma.