AZT was until now quantifiable only through the use of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) combined with UV spectroscopy or mass spectrometry. However, the more straightforward application of standalone spectroscopy is urgently needed for testing solid dosage and other applications.

Now, researchers led by Ashok Peepliwal, Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Science, India, have demonstrated almost 99 % assays for the drug using either IR or UV spectroscopy. Their approach is simple, precise, accurate and rapid. Analysis of authentic samples showed no interference from common additives. The method could be easily adapted to routine quality control.

• A quantitative analysis of Zidovudine containing formulation by FT-IR and UV spectroscopy
  A. Peepliwal, S. D. Vyawahare, C. G. Bonde,
  Anal. Methods 2010.
  DOI: 10.1039/C0AY00341G