Agilent to provide gas chromatography-mass spectrometry solutions for World Cup

Drug detection at the 2010 South Africa FIFA World Cup is to be carried out in part using Agilent Technologies' gas chromatography-mass spectrometry solutions.

Earlier in the week, AB SCIEX revealed that its liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry systems had been selected by the South African Doping Control Laboratory.

Now gas chromatography-mass spectrometry equipment from Agilent has been added to the arsenal of devices used to prevent substance-based cheating in the tournament.

Mike McMullen, president of Agilent's Chemical Analysis Group, says: "We are honoured that the South African Doping Control Laboratory selected Agilent to help ensure a level playing field and fair competition at the 2010 World Cup."

The deal sees Agilent's 7000 Series Triple Quadrupole GC/MS system adopted, along with five gas chromatography-mass selective detectors.

South African Doping Control Laboratory director Dr Pieter J van der Merwe adds that the Agilent 7000 Series raises specificity and sensitivity levels of detection, taking doping tests to a higher standard.