Detection of steroid esters using microsampling technologies
Herman Cian, 2023
The persistent use of anabolic substances, particularly testosterone esters, in sports poses a challenge for anti-doping authorities. Traditional matrices such as urine and serum/plasma have limitations in detecting these substances effectively. This study proposes the use of noninvasive dried blood (DB) as a matrix for anti-doping testing. DB offers advantages such as lower costs for transport and storage compared to traditional matrices. Furthermore, the preservation of anabolic esters is better in DB due to the inactivation of esterases. The study utilizes three microsampling techniques, volumetric absorptive microsampling (VAMS), Tasso Device, and dried blood spots (DBS), to collect blood samples. The method involves extraction of the testosterone esters from DBS and VAMS using various extraction solvents and techniques to maximize efficiency. The extracted samples will be subjected to high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fraction collection and gas chromatography-chemical ionization-mass spectrometry (GC-CI-MS/MS) analysis for detection and quantification. The method will be validated for selectivity, specificity, limit of identification (LOI), and limit of detection (LOD). By employing DB as a matrix and optimizing sensitive analytical techniques, this study aims to develop a routine method for the detection of testosterone esters in dried blood samples. The proposed method offers a non-invasive, cost-effective, and reliable approach for antidoping testing, thereby enhancing the fight against drug abuse in sports and ensuring fair competition.
Promotor | Peter Van Eenoo |
Opleiding | Biomedische Wetenschappen |
Kernwoorden | Dopingcontrol steroid esters method development microsampling GC-MS/MS |