Development and validation of an open screening method for diuretics, stimulants and selected compounds in human urine by UHPLC–HRMS for doping control

A new doping control screening method for the analysis of diuretics and stimulants using ultra high pressure liquid chromatography–high resolution Orbitrap mass spectrometry has been developed. The screening was performed in full scan MS with scan-to-scan polarity switching which allowed to detect more than 120 target analytes. Sample preparation was limited to 10-fold dilution of the urine into the internal standard solution followed by injection. Total run time per sample was 10 min. Validation of the method yielded detection limits for diuretics between 25 and 250 ng mL−1 and for stimulants between 5 and 500 ng mL−1. The screening method has been implemented in routine doping control.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► A new doping control screening method using UHPLC–HRMS is presented. ► Screening was performed in full scan MS with scan-to-scan polarity switching within a single run. ► Sample preparation was minimized by a direct 10-fold dilution of the urine. ► Detection limits were compliant with the imposed MRPLs by WADA.