Liquid chromatography to be used for World Cup drug detection

Drug detection at the FIFA World Cup is to be based in part around liquid chromatography solutions from AB SCIEX.

The provider of analysis systems explains that its liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry technology has been selected by the Free State University Sports Doping Laboratory for its World Cup testing.

Director of the Doping Control Laboratory for the 2010 South Africa FIFA World Cup Dr Piet van der Merwe says: "We are using state-of-the-art instrumentation to uncover and stay ahead of emerging ways to mask doping."

He adds that, with the "highly sophisticated" liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry equipment from AB SCIEX, competitors tempted to use illegal substances to enhance their performance "should beware".

The AB SCIEX QTRAP 5500 LC/MS/MS system was designed from the ground up using the company's eQ electronics for faster processing and, the manufacturer says, is fitted with the world's most sensitive ion trap.