Experimental Design for Estimating Area under the Curve by Trapezoidal Approximation in Destructive Sampling

This paper proposes a simple procedure for selecting sampling time points and sample allocation which reduce the mean square error or area under the curve (AUC) approximated by the trapezoidal approximation. It can generate desirable time points and allocation through an iterative scheme. The methodology is applicable to AUC estimation as well as other functional forms of serial plasma concentrations. The appropriate application of this procedure can lead to more efficient pharmacokinetic study designs.