Abstract
Objective
Formoterol and salbutamol, β2-agonists, are listed in the Prohibited List of the World Anti-Doping Code International Standard, requiring both qualitative and quantitative analysis. To accurately determine the content of formoterol and salbutamol in urine, we developed an ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method.
Methods
The samples were enzymatically hydrolyzed and extracted with organic solvents for liquid-liquid extraction, followed by purification and concentration. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were performed using tandem mass spectrometry with an electrospray ionization (ESI) source in multiple reaction monitoring mode. Results: The method demonstrated relative recovery rates between 90%-105%, matrix effects within 80–120%, and intra-day and inter-day precision below 15%.
Conclusion
This method is efficient, accurate, stable, and highly sensitive, fully meeting the detection requirements for the stimulants formoterol and salbutamol.