Faster analysis of anabolic steroids in kidney fat by downscaling the sample size and using gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

A rapid and easy-to-perform method for the screening and confirmation of estrogens, gestagens and androgens (EGAs) in kidney fat has been developed. In this investigation only 5 g of fat was needed. After extraction with acetonitrile the steroid phase was defatted using n-hexane. Followed by a saponification step, the sample extract was purified by solid phase extraction. After derivatisation as trimethylsilyl ether derivatives, the steroids in the final extract were analysed using gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS2). With this method the Belgian National Minimum Required Performance Limits (National MRPLs) for EGAs could be fulfilled. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.