Rapid and efficient method for extraction and separation of glucocorticosteroids and sex steroids from urines

The influence of different pH values on the recoveries of glucocorticosteroids and sex steroids from Kieselguhr-filled minicolumns has been investigated. While the recoveries of all steroids tested were similar if samples had acidic or neutral pH values, sex steroids could effectively be separated from glucocorticosteroids by increasing the pH value to 13.7: recoveries were 1.7% for glucocorticosteroids and 56-76% for sex steroids. For the determination of sex steroids in biological samples it is recommended to adjust samples to a strong alkaline pH before extraction; this holds especially true for samples with very high glucocorticosteroid levels.