Measurement Journal Issue 6

Although there are standard techniques, analytical protocols and measurement technology must constantly evolve to keep pace with new trends and demands in doping testing. Examples include the designer steroids clandestine labs synthesize by making a slight chemical modiﬁcation to a known compound. Consequently, the synthetic steroid has a molecular weight that falls outside the target mass range monitored for anti-doping purposes. One way to detect these compounds is to capitalize on advances in GC/MS technology that allow for simultaneous collection of both selected ion monitoring (SIM) and scan data. This provides an abundance of information to assist in elucidating the molecular structure of the designer steroid. Another useful tool is ion-trap LC/MS with its inherent ability to collect MSn spectra, which provides excellent elucidation of molecular structure.2 Another challenge for doping labs is that some steroids, such as nandrolone and its metabolites, can occur at very low endogenous levels. Consequently, WADA has established a 2 ng/ml threshold for these compounds: any concentration above the 2 ng/ml level is considered to be suspicious (Figure 3). Traditionally, high-resolution magnetic sector (HRMS) instruments are used to determine these low-level concentrations of steroids. Some laboratories, however, would prefer to avoid HRMS devices due to their complexity and expense. One alternative is GC/QQQ, an older technology that is experiencing a revival because the instrumentation has become more robust — and because it can meet the demanding requirements of steroid testing. Additional alternatives include LC/TOF, LC/QTOF and high-resolution ion traps, which many labs are currently using to detect steroids.3 Conclusion Many challenges remain in the quest to ensure a level playing ﬁeld in competitive sports. For example, it is still difﬁcult to distinguish between endogenous and exogenous levels of substances such as human growth hormone (hGH) and EPO. Both natural and recombinant versions of these hormones are popular doping agents. In the future, athletes may be tempted to try “gene doping.” Research at the University of Pennsylvania has shown that mice administered with the insulin-like growth factor gene (IGF-1) have muscle strength and power up to 30 percent greater than normal animals, and they also respond better to resistance training. Gene therapy is very difﬁcult to detect — IGF-1, EPO and growth factor are already present in the human body — but test labs are working on ways to detect these forms of doping, too. Sadly, dopers and cheaters will always try to stay ahead of the game. As a result, some form of testing will remain a fact of life in competitive sports. Fortunately, though, these forces will continue to stimulate the creation of new developments in measurement science and technology. References 1. Learn more about the World Anti-Doping Agency at www.wada-ama.org. 2. Agilent Application, Detection of 23 Corticosteroids, Anabolic Steroids, and ß2-Agonist in Athens Doping Control Lab During Athens 2004 Olympic Games Using Agilent 1100 LC/MSD Trap Mass Spectrometers. Publication number 5989-3395EN available from www.chem.agilent.com. 3. Agilent Application, Screening and Conﬁrmation of Anabolic Steroids Using Accurate Mass LC/MS. Publication number 5989-4738EN available from www.chem.agilent.com. Portions of this article were published in October 2007 in Chromatography Online, www.chromatographyonline.com, the website of LC/GC North America. Figure 3. Example spectra from accurate mass LC/TOF analysis of 2 ng/ml urine extract (1 ng/ml 19-norandrosterone), mass accuracy was better than 2 ppm for each analyte. 3 Agilent Measurement Journal 14 http://www.wada-ama.org http://www.chem.agilent.com http://www.chem.agilent.com http://www.chromatographyonline.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Measurement Journal Issue 6

Measurement Journal Issue 6 Using a Few Words to Convey a Deeply-Held Spirit Charting a Unique Path to Technology Innovation Contents Announcing First Commercial GC/MS Metabolites Library Assessing Nonlinear Behavior Testing Combines Form and Function Testing Multiplay Networks Higher Sensitivity LC/MS Easing Military Radio Test Stepping Up Calibration Accuracy Increasing Spectrum Analyzer Bandwidth 3GPP Tool Supports TS 36 Standards The Olympic Story Spotlights Agilent's Continuing Contribution to Technology Innovation Ensuring a Level Playing Field in Competitive Sports GPS: Coming of Age Resolving Design Issues in HSPA Mobile Devices Achieving Accurate Results with Oscilloscope-Based Jitter-Analysis Software RF Handheld Testers Guarantee Traffic Stability Under Olympic-Sized Stress Conditions Utilizing LAN-Based Instrumentation to Measure Total Harmonic Distortion in Remote Facilities IMT-Advanced: 4G Wireless Takes Shape in an Olympic Year EPO Doping: A Speed Engine, Turbo-Charged by Chemistry

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