Embodiments of methods and compounds for isolating and detecting lysophosphatidic acids (LPAs) are disclosed. Kits for performing the methods also are disclosed. LPAs are isolated from biological samples by liquid-liquid extraction followed by solid phase extraction. LPA species may be separated by HPLC, and the separated species may be identified and quantified. Also disclosed are embodiments of compounds capable of universally detecting a plurality of LPA species with substantially equivalent sensitivity. Embodiments of the disclosed compounds are useful for determination of total LPA concentration in a sample comprising a plurality of LPA species without separation of individual LPA species.