Development of 3β,4α-dihydroxy-5α-androstan-17-one standard solution for doping analyses.

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Forensic Science
• Sports Science

Background:

• Doping control is crucial in sports to ensure fair competition.
• Reliable standard solutions and validated analytical methods are essential for accurate doping analysis.
• 3β,4α-dihydroxy-5α-androstan-17-one (DHAS) is a metabolite of formestane, used to mask prohibited anabolic steroids.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a certified reference material (CRM) for DHAS in methanol solution.
• To ensure the CRM is traceable to the International System of Units (SI).
• To provide a reliable standard for doping control laboratories.

Main Methods:

• Quantitative NMR (qNMR) with an SI-traceable internal standard was employed.
• Gravimetric blending and direct quantification of DHAS mass fraction were used.
• Purity of DHAS powder was assessed by qNMR and qNMR/HPLC.

Main Results:

• The certified value for mass fraction was (135.2 ± 9.5) μg/g.
• The certified value for mass concentration was (107.0 ± 7.5) μg/ml.
• Results from gravimetric blending and direct quantification were comparable, validating the CRM.

Conclusions:

• A SI-traceable CRM for DHAS in methanol solution was successfully developed.
• The CRM supports accurate and reliable doping analyses.
• This contributes to maintaining the integrity of sports competitions.