‘Dope’ detection of existing and potential doping substances using ion mobility mass spectrometry

Researchers report on the detection of extant dopants and potential ‘designer’ drug compounds using ion mobility mass spectrometry (IM–MS). To get ahead of potential dopers at the upcoming Olympics, a team of researchers at the Florida Institute of Technology (FL, USA) is exploring an assay that can differentiate between endogenous and exogenous steroids, as well as predicting structures of new compounds that may be present in urine samples. The team reported on the successful use of IM–MS in separating, detecting and quantifying isomers with minor structural differences, differences that may make it difficult for traditional tandem MS, GC–MS or LC–MS...