Analysis of Steroids and NSAIDs Using the Shimadzu LCMS-8050 Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer

Introduction

With performance enhancing drug use considered contrary to fair play, along with the adverse effects they may have on the health and social welfare of athletes, sports doping testing is increasing and has been conducted according to the provisions of WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency). Drugs that are registered as prohibited substances mainly fall into the categories of anabolic steroids (AAS) used primarily for building muscle strength, steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for their anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects, and narcotic and designer drugs. Also, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are drugs used to treat pain and inflammation as well as fever, and although they are not specified as prohibited drugs, their abuse by athletes is being viewed as a problem due to their side effects. Since doping tests provide information for making critical decisions that actually affect athletes’ lives, accuracy at the time of testing, as well fairness, are necessary. In this Application News, we introduce an accurate identification method for typical steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs using multiple reference ion ratios, in addition to an example of high- sensitivity measurement.

January 7, 2015 GMT