Mass Spectrometry: The Indispensable Tool Revolutionizing Sports Anti-Doping
Human sports drug testing by mass spectrometry.
Background
The integrity of competitive sports relies heavily on robust anti-doping measures to ensure fair play and protect athlete health. Since the mid-1960s, when international anti-doping rules were first enforced, detecting performance-enhancing drugs has been a continuous challenge. This review highlights how mass spectrometry (MS), an analytical technique that measures the mass-to-charge ratio of ions, has evolved to become the cornerstone of modern doping control, addressing the critical need for sensitive and comprehensive detection methods for a vast array of banned substances.