Abstract
Testing and monitoring anabolic androgenic steroids in biological fluids is a key activity in anti-doping practices. In this study, a novel approach is proposed, based on dried urine microsampling through two different workflows: dried urine spots (DUS) and volumetric absorptive microsampling (VAMS). Both techniques can overcome some common drawbacks of urine sampling, such as analyte instability and storage and transportation problems. Using an original, validated liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method, exogenous and endogenous unconjugated steroids were analysed. Despite the limitations of microsampling volume, good sensitivity was obtained (limit of quantitation ≤1.5 ng/mL for all analytes), with satisfactory precision (relative standard deviation <7.6%) and absolute recovery (>70.3%). Both microsampling platforms provide reliable results, in good agreement with those obtained from urine.
Highlights
Recent decades have witnessed the worrying phenomenon of a disproportionate increase in the use of performance-enhancing substances, in particular anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS), among high-level professional athletes, and among all other athletes up to amateur ones [1]
The volumetric absorptive microsampling (VAMS) device is certified by the manufacturer for the reliable absorption of a fixed blood volume (10, 20 or 30 μL), and this performance level has been verified independently [30,31]
Until now the device performance has not been extensively tested on other matrices, such as urine [32]
Summary
Recent decades have witnessed the worrying phenomenon of a disproportionate increase in the use of performance-enhancing substances, in particular anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS), among high-level professional athletes, and among all other athletes up to amateur ones [1]. The phenomenon has spread mostly in the framework of gym circuits, where athletes abuse AAS in order to increase muscle strength and size, and the lean-to-fat body mass ratio, amplifying the physical exercise outcomes [3]. These results, entail serious side effects: endocrine effects due to competition with cortisol, virilisation, acne, gynecomastia and testicular atrophy, increase of cardiovascular issues, liver complications [4,5]. The possible role of AAS in causing either neurotoxicity or neuroprotection is still unclear, evidence of prevalent
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