Simplified screening approach of anabolic steroid esters using a compact atmospheric solid analysis probe mass spectrometric system

Due to the absence of chromatographic separation, ambient ionization mass spectrometry had the potential to improve the throughput of control laboratories in the last decades and will soon be an excellent approach for on-site use as well. In this study, an atmospheric solids analysis probe (ASAP) with a single quadrupole mass analyzer has been evaluated to identify anabolic steroid esters rapidly. Sample introduction, applied scan time, and probe temperature were optimized for sensitivity. The in-source fragmentations of seventeen selected steroid esters, commonly found in illicit samples, were determined by applying different cone voltages (12, 20, 30, and 40 V). A spectral library was created for these steroid esters based on the four stages of in-source fragmentation spectra. The applicability of this method was demonstrated for the rapid identification of steroid esters in oily injection solutions, providing test results in less than 2 min.

Automated summary

In this study, an atmospheric solids analysis probe (ASAP) with a single quadrupole mass analyzer was evaluated for the rapid identification of anabolic steroid esters. The method showed potential for improving the throughput of control laboratories and providing on-site testing results in less than 2 minutes.