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Detection of testosterone esters in blood
Guro Forsdahl1,2, Damir Erceg3,4, Thomas Geisendorfer1
1Doping Control Laboratory, Seibersdorf Labor GmbH, Seibersdorf, Austria.
Drug Testing and Analysis
|December 24, 2015
Summary
Detecting injected testosterone esters in blood confirms exogenous testosterone use. Detection times vary by ester type, but the overall detection window remains comparable across different blood collection devices.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Toxicology
- Endocrinology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Synthetic testosterone esters are common for testosterone replacement therapy and performance enhancement.
- Detection of intact testosterone esters in blood provides definitive evidence of exogenous testosterone administration.
- Understanding the detection window and factors influencing it is crucial for doping control and clinical monitoring.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the detection window for injected testosterone esters (single and mixed preparations) in serum and plasma.
- To evaluate the impact of different blood collection devices on the detection of testosterone esters.
- To assess the stability and detectability of various testosterone esters over time post-administration.
Main Methods:
- A clinical study involving six participants receiving intramuscular injections of testosterone undecanoate or a Sustanon mixture.
- Blood samples collected over 60 days post-injection.
- Analysis using liquid-liquid extraction, oxime derivative preparation, TLX-sample clean-up, and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).
- Evaluation of collection tubes with and without stabilizing additives.
Main Results:
- All tested testosterone esters were detectable in post-administration blood samples.
- The detection time varied significantly based on the specific testosterone ester administered.
- Blood concentrations of short-chained testosterone esters were influenced by the type of blood collection device used.
- The overall detection window for testosterone esters remained comparable regardless of the collection device.
Conclusions:
- The detection window for injected testosterone esters is primarily dependent on the ester's chemical properties.
- Blood collection device selection can affect measured concentrations, particularly for short-chained esters.
- Accurate detection and interpretation of testosterone ester levels require consideration of ester type and sample collection methods.
