Abstract

Role of Mass Spectrometry in Drug of Abuse Analysis: Human to Equine Dope Testing

Alka Beotra, Scientific Director & PT Coordinator, National Dope Testing Laboratory

Use of mass spectrometry is one of the most essential techniques in sports drug testing. The conduct of dope testing is very challenging task with respect to analytical and interpretive reasons. The use of mass spectrometry for both qualitative and quantitative analysis in both human and equine doping has undergone lot of scientific advancements to meet the ever increasing stringent guidelines of World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) and International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA). The presentation would cover the development in the mass spectrometry use since the beginning of sports testing (1967) following separation by either gas or liquid chromatography. The identification of various prohibited drugs falling into various categories of drugs (eg anabolic steroids, stimulants, narcotics, cannabinoids, diuretics, glucocorticosteroids) has become more specific and sensitive with the use of mass spectrometry coupled with LC or GC. However, with the invent of isotope ratio mass spectrometer (IRMS) detector coupled with GC, the possibility to differentiate between the endogenous and exogenous steroids of abuse could be possible and has now become mandatory for use in dope testing. The anti doping laboratories need to keep pace with the ever growing list of banned drugs to keep working on improving the testing methods both in terms of instrumentation and extraction techniques.