Androgenic anabolic steroids (AAS) are defined as natural, synthetic or semi-synthetic drugs chemically derived from testosterone, used with the aim to improve physical performance by increasing both muscle strength and mass. Despite their reported toxicological effects on the cardiovascular, hepatic and neuro-endocrine systems, the AAS have been extensively used in sports activities. The objective of this study was to validate an analytical method for the detection of AAS and/or their metabolites in urine samples. The method was based on enzymatic hydrolysis, liquid-liquid extraction, derivatization and further analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) operated in the selected ion monitoring mode (SIM). The validated method agrees with the confidence concepts for AAS detection in urine samples for anti-doping control programs. The limits of detection of AAS varied from 0,5 to 15ng/mL. Good inter and intra-assay precisions were also observed (CV< 11%). Urine samples collected from volunteers (n=10) who reported AAS use were submitted to the method and the most used AAS in Brazil were successfully detected.
Androgenic anabolic steroids; Doping; Gas chromatography
