Detection of Glycerol in Human Urine Using the Screening Procedure for Hydroxyethyl Starch and Dextran

Abstract

Since 2010 glycerol has been included in the WADA list of prohibited substances in the class S5 (Diuretics and Other Masking Agents). Starting in 2013 it has been designated as a Threshold Substance, with a threshold value of 1 mg/mL. The procedure for the detection of glycerol is very similar to that for the plasma expanders, hydroxyethyl starch (HES) and dextran. Namely it involves the aliquoting of a small volume (20 µL) of urine sample, acid digestion and drying. All three compounds are then derivatized with MSTFA/NH4 I/2-mercaptoethanol (1000:2:6, v/w/v) and separated by GC-MS. The inclusion of glycerol in the screening procedure for HES and dextran requires a modification of the GC temperature program. The effect of the acid digestion step was checked to show that it had no effect on the stability of glycerol. Combining all three compounds into one procedure leads to a saving of analysis time and equipment. This method has been applied to urine samples receieved by the Centre during the period April to June 2013.