Human-Performance Drugs Anabolic Steroids

The analysis of drugs abused in sports— particularly toxicological anal) is— has evolved into a discipline of its own. Because many of the banned substances are not controlled (caffeine above a threshold concentration is a violation), the chemistry and analysis are unique. Once anabolic steroids and other performanceenhancing substances were added to the Controlled Substances Act in 1991, what had principally been a toxicological concern became a drug analysis issue as well, since physical evidence could now be seized and submitted to crime laboratories. 

The bodybuilding steroids include testosterone and related anabolic steroids. Anabolic substances promote secondary male sex characteristics that improve athletic performance by increasing muscle mass and promoting a fast recovery between workouts. Illicit steroids can be synthesized or diverted and are available via mail order on the Internet. Since these substances are sex hormones, abuse can lead to excessive aggression ( roid rage ), the development of male characteristics in females, liver damage, sterility, acne, and increased cholesterol levels. 

The analysis of steroids is complicated by the similarity of the drugs structures, but can be achieved with standard forensic analysis tools. Color tests with ammonium vanadate (Mandolin s reagent) has been reported to be the 

Athletes who place first through fourth were tested for banned substances, as were others (teams and individuals) selected at random. Most samples were urine, but some testing required blood. Typical seimple preparation involved liquid-liquid md solid-phase extraction methods. 

The tumaroimd time was 24-72 hours, depending on the substances targeted. Instruments used were GCMS and GC with a nitrogen-phosphorus detector (NPD). The mass spectrometers included quadrupole, time-of-flight, and isotope ratio systems. Isotope ratios of were used 

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Human-Performance Drugs These drugs consist of substances that improve or impair one s performance, most notably anabolic steroids and alcohol. Anabolic steroids include dozens of drugs, mostly acquired by prescription, based on testosterone. These drugs are abused by athletes in attempts to increase their musde mass and decrease the recovery time after strenuous training and competition. Abuse has been foimd at the high school level... 

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