Is there a place for hair analysis in doping controls?

Area of Science:

• Forensic Science
• Sports Science
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Current antidoping rules rely on detecting forbidden molecules or metabolites in urine.
• Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is the primary screening method for doping control.
• Hair analysis is being explored as an alternative matrix for doping detection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the potential of scalp hair as a matrix for doping control.
• To investigate the detection of anabolic agents and stimulants in hair samples.
• To assess the challenges and limitations of hair analysis in differentiating therapeutic use from doping abuse.

Main Methods:

• Gas chromatography-mass selective detector (GC-MSD) and GC-high resolution mass spectrometry (GC-HRMS) were applied.
• Analysis focused on detecting anabolic agents (steroids, beta-2-agonists) and their metabolites.
• Comparison of naturally occurring and synthetic molecules was performed.

Main Results:

• High sensitivity detection (ng/g level) of anabolic agents in hair was achieved in treated animals and bodybuilders.
• Differentiation between endogenous and synthetic testosterone was possible.
• Hair analysis can potentially provide retrospective information on drug intake intervals.

Conclusions:

• Hair analysis offers a promising avenue for doping control, particularly for retrospective analysis.
• Significant challenges remain, including establishing reference ranges, accounting for hair pigmentation, and understanding factors affecting drug incorporation.
• Further research is needed to overcome limitations and validate hair analysis for widespread use in sports doping control.