Detailed analysis of cortisol, cortisone and their tetrahydro- and allo-tetrahydrometabolites in human urine by LC-MS/MS

The method meets the EMA's recommendations and was proved to be useful in the analysis of clinical samples. The LLOQ of 1 ng/mL allows the determination of free urinary F, E, THF and THE, but not alloTHF and alloTHE, in samples obtained from pregnant women. The range of concentrations is wide enough for the analysis of total levels of F, E, THF, alloTHF, THE and alloTHE. The undisputed advantage of the method, distinguishing it among others, is the ability to determine F and E and their both 5α- and 5β-metabolites. Taking alloTHE into consideration enables the thorough analysis of the glucocorticoid equilibrium in human.