Mass spectrometric identification of peptide hormones in doping-control analysis

The identification power of mass spectrometry has enabled the determination of hundreds of prohibited drugs in doping-control analysis. A few years ago, its utility was extended to peptide hormones such as erythropoietins, synthetic insulins and corticotrophins detectable in blood or urine. New assays have been established to improve the fight against doping, employing highly selective and sensitive detection methods based on chromatographic and tandem mass spectrometric techniques. In particular, in light of recent scandals related to assumed peptide hormone misuse and attempts at the alteration of urine, sophisticated analytical tools are essential for obtaining unequivocal results in sports drug testing.