Factors affecting untargeted detection of doping agents in biological samples

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Sports Science
• Biomolecular Analysis

Background:

• Doping control is vital for sports integrity.
• Untargeted detection of doping agents (UDDA) represents a significant advancement in anti-doping strategies.
• Optimizing UDDA methods is essential for effective detection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate key factors influencing UDDA in biological samples.
• To determine the necessity of blank samples and background marking in UDDA.
• To optimize parameters for enhanced sensitivity and efficiency in doping detection.

Main Methods:

• Examined the impact of blank samples, signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) thresholds, and minimum chromatographic peak intensity on UDDA.
• Utilized metabolomic data processing techniques.
• Employed mathematical modeling to analyze S/N requirements.

Main Results:

• Blank samples and background marking were found to be unnecessary for UDDA in biological samples.
• Minimum peak intensity directly affected the limit of detection (LOD) and processing time.
• A ratio of the mean (ROM) of 2 is recommended for UDDA, impacting LOD.
• Mathematical modeling provided insights into S/N dependencies.

Conclusions:

• The study presents an optimized UDDA methodology, simplifying sample processing.
• The findings advance the capabilities for detecting doping agents in equine sports.
• This improved UDDA approach enhances anti-doping strategies and sports integrity.