Simultaneous detection of testosterone, nandrolone, and boldenone esters in dried blood spots for doping control in sports by liquid chromatography –tandem mass spectrometry

A simultaneous analysis methodology for 28 steroid esters (13 testosterone, nine nandrolone, and six boldenone esters) was developed using three different dried blood spots (DBSs) collected on cellulose papers and polymer. Testosterone enanthate (100  mg) was administered intramuscularly to seven participants and detected in their DBS samples even after 216 h. AbstractTestosterone, nandrolone, and boldenone, which are listed as doping substances on the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List, are mostly available commercially in esterified forms. Isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) represents a key tool for identifying these substances, as they are hydrolyzed and discharged in the urine as pseudo-endogenous substances. However, IRMS, which comprises a complicated process, cannot achieve the direct detection of steroid esters in blood samples. These substances can be detected using dried blood spots (DBSs), reducing the impact of esterase hydrolysis. Here, a simultaneous liquid chromatography –tandem mass spectrometry method for detecting 28 steroid (13 testosterone, nine nandrolone, and six boldenone) esters was developed using three DBS types of samples, including a cellulose paper and polymer. The substances were first derivatized with methyloxime to increase their sensitivities (th e limits of detection were<0.1 –0.4,<0.1 –0.9, and<0.1 –0.9 ng/mL for the testosterone, nandrolone, and boldenone esters, respectively). Further, the DBS absorbents wer...
Source: Drug Testing and Analysis - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Tags: SPECIAL ISSUE ‐ RESEARCH ARTICLE Source Type: research