Researchers Develop New Method for Drug Testing

U.S. researchers have developed a new LC–MS-MS method that is more sensitive for detecting if athletes have taken drugs to artificially boost testosterone and increase physical performance. Previous testing methods used GC–MS to compare the ratio of testosterone to epitestosterone and determine if performance-enhancing drugs were taken. However, measuring the T/E concentrations is difficult due to the low levels present in urine.

According to the lead researcher, Dr. Jonathan Danaceau of the University of Utah, the new method "means that we can determine the T/E ratio in a sample with greater confidence, and therefore be in a better position to spot doping violations without falsely accusing innocent athletes."