The application of carbon isotope ratio mass spectrometry to doping control.
The administration of synthetic steroid copies is one of the most important issues facing sports. Doping control laboratories accredited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) require methods of analysis that allow endogenous steroids to be distinguished from their synthetic analogs in urine. The ability to measure isotope distribution at natural abundance with high accuracy and precision has increased the application of Gas Chromatography-Combustion-Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (GC-C-IRMS) to doping control in recent years. GC-C-IRMS is capable of measuring the carbon isotope ratio (delta(13)C) of urinary steroids and confirm their synthetic origin based on the abnormal (13)C content. This tutorial describes some of the complexities encountered by obtaining valid delta(13)C measurements from GC-C-IRMS and the need for careful interpretation of all relevant information concerning an individual's metabolism in order to make an informed decision with respect to a doping violation.
Australian Sports Drug Testing Laboratory, National Measurement Institute, Pymble NSW 2073, Australia. Adam.Cawley@measurement.gov.au
Adam T
AT
Cawley
Ulrich
U
Flenker
D045930:Anabolic Agents / Q000652:urine*; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000652:urine; D002247:Carbon Isotopes / Q000652:urine; D004300:Doping in Sports; D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007553:Isotope Labeling; D012016:Reference Values; D013256:Steroids / Q000652:urine*; D015813:Substance Abuse Detection / Q000379:methods*
D045930:Anabolic Agents; D015415:Biomarkers; D002247:Carbon Isotopes; D013256:Steroids