Quantification and stability of salbutamol in human urine.

A sensitive method for the quantification of free salbutamol in human urine is described. Sample clean up is performed using SPE on a mixed phase extraction column. Derivatisation is performed with N-methyl-N-trimethylsilyltrifluoroacetamide (MSTFA) and the extract is analysed by GC-MS. The method was found to be suitable for use in the doping field, where a cut-off limit of 1 mug salbutamol/mL urine is set by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and approved by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Above that value a doping violation occurs. In addition, the stability of salbutamol in human urine has been evaluated.