Research and Development

SMRTL conducts a range of Research and Development projects focused on new analytical methods, human drug administration and pharmacokinetic studies, analysis of testing patterns in athletes and novel approaches for assessing drug use by athletes.  Recent projects include:

• New method for confirmation of elevated T/Epi T ratios—our scientists developed a new method for the quantitative confirmation of Testosterone and Epitestosterone which was published in the Journal of Mass Spectrometry in July, 2008.  A related project is investigating using the same methodology to complement the standard screening procedures for testosterone, epitestosterone, T/Epi T ratio and DHEA.  (See Danaceau, J., Morrison, M., and Slawson, M. 2008.  Quantitative confirmation of testosterone and epitestosterone in human urine by LC/QToF mass spectrometry for doping control.  J. Mass Spectrom.  43:993-1000.)
• New method for analysis of diuretics and beta-blockers—our scientists developed a new method for combining the analysis of diuretics, beta-blockers and some stimulants using a single extraction as a technique for improving screening efficiency.  The method utilizes HPLC-MS/MS and UPLC-MS/MS to detect these compounds.  (See G.J. Murray, J.P. Danaceau 2009.  Similtaneous extraction and detection of diuretics, beta-blockers and other xenobiotics in human urine by HPLC-MS/MS and UPLC-MS/MS.  Presented at the 27th annual Cologne Workshop on Dope Analysis.  Cologne, Germany.  March 1-6, 2009.)
• New method to detect use of homologous blood transfusions (HBT)—every red blood cell (RBC) in an individual has an identical and specific phenotypic pattern of blood group antigens that are under genetic control and unique to each individual, like a fingerprint. By examining these markers (i.e., antigens) on the surface of RBCs, this method can determine whether blood from more than one person is present in an athlete’s circulation. Using flow cytometry, our scientists are currently in the process of developing a method to detect autologous blood transfusions (ABT), or doping with one’s own blood.

Our professional staff has recently received approval from the Partnership for Clean Competition to conduct a research project on the development of techniques to use longitudinal steroid profiles to identify athletes for testing.