Immunoaffinity chromatography, its applicability and limitations in multi-residue analysis of anabolizing and doping...

The use of (multi-)immunoaffinity chromatography in residue analysis is discussed. After an introduction to the immunochemical background an overview of applications is given. A distinction is made between the following methods: (1) single-antibody, single-analyte procedures; (2) single-antibody, multi-analyte procedures; (3) multi-antibody, multi-analyte procedures. It is concluded that immunoaffinity chromatography is superior to most other techniques for sample preparation and extract clean-up. Its advantages in multi-residue procedures are most clear when compared with e.g. high-performance liquid chromatography. In combination with gas chromatography-low-resolution mass spectrometry, very effective multi-residue methods are possible. Most frequently they concern screening procedures which can fulfill the identification criteria for reference methods. It is concluded that the use of (multi-)immunoaffinity chromatography will proliferate further in the 1990s. However, its future viability is highly dependent on the interest of commercial firms and on the involvement of the EC Community Bureau of Reference in manufacturing and supplying the necessary materials.