Enabling the inclusion of non-hydrolysed sulfated long term anabolic steroid metabolites in a screening for doping substances by means of gas chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

Abstract in brief

• This research presents a new testing method using gas chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-QTOFMS) that can detect nonhydrolysed sulfated long-term anabolic steroid metabolites, which are important for doping detection and haven't been combined with other required targets in previous tests.
• The method achieves compliance with WADA regulations by detecting a broad range of 263 substances across 9 categories, including steroids, stimulants, and narcotics, and also allows quantification of endogenous steroids, making it a comprehensive doping screening tool.
• The study demonstrates that direct injection of nonhydrolysed sulfates is compatible with GCMS, enabling more effective detection of steroid metabolites with longer detection windows, and has been validated through analysis of samples containing drostanolone and mesterolone.