Capillary column gas chromatographic mass spectrometric analysis of anabolic steroid residues using splitless injections made at elevated temperatures.

The use of capillary column gas chromatography mass spectrometry has been investigated for the detection of the presence of estrane-3,17 alpha-diol in horse urine extracts; the detection of this diol confirms the administration of anabolic steroids based upon 19-nortestosterone. To reduce analysis time, but yet maintain a solvent effect in the splitless injection mode, injections have been made at elevated temperatures (190-220 degree C) using high boiling solvents (dodecane b.p. 214 degree C and tetradecane b.p. 252 degree C).