Abstract

We like other WADA laboratories face an ongoing problem which relates to the need to continually expand the suite of compounds which we are able to detect. Each year more compounds are added to the WADA Prohibited List (WADA 2006) many of which are not amenable to our conventional GC/MS screening methods. In addition our clients expect us to detect all compounds on the list at no or minimal extra cost. Last year we reported some possible solutions to these problems (Goebel et al 2005) and this year we have instigated some major changes to our routine screening methods. The change was driven by the need to carry out the drug testing for the Melbourne Commonwealth Games which required the analysis of over 1000 samples in ten days with fast turnaround times. The maximum sample load was to be 120 samples per day. Thus we carried out an extensive reevaluation of our screening methods with a view to achieving maximum output with minimal extra human and physical resources. In 2005 the major screens used were: anabolic steroids - SPE extraction with C18 and analysis by GC/MSD and GC/HRMS; stimulants – L/L extraction and analysis by GC-NPD and GC/MSD; narcotics – extractive alkylation and analysis by GC/MSD; diuretics – SPE extraction with Nexus and analysis by LC/MS/MS; corticosteroids – diuretics extract re-analysed by LC/MS/MS. The instrument available within ASDTL to carry out this work were - 1 Finnigan MAT95S GC/HRMS, 5 Agilent 6890/5973 GC/MSD, 1 Agilent 6890 GC-NPD, 1 Waters Quattro Micro LC/MS/MS, 1 ABI 4000QTrap LC/MS/MS, 1 Thermo Delta Plus GC/CIRMS, 1 HP 1090 LC, 3 Gilson ASPEC XL4. Some additional instruments were available for the period of the Games from other sections of NMI. These were - 1 Finnigan MAT95XL GC/HRMS (only available part time), 2 Agilent 6890/5973 GC/MSD, 1 Waters Quattro Micro LC/MS/MS (part time only), and 1 Gilson ASPEC XL4. Aus dem Text