Optical method for the screening of doping substances

Abstract

During the last years, an increased misuse of doping substances in sport has been observed. The action of doping substances characterized by the stimulation of blood flow and metabolic processes is also reflected in the hair structure. In the present study it was demonstrated that optical coherent tomography is well suited for the analysis of hair parameters influenced by doping. Analyzing 20 patients, systemically treated with steroids which also represent doping substances, it was found that in all cases a significant increase in the cross-section of the hairs could be detected. The results obtained in the study are not only important for the screening of doping substances but also for medical diagnostics and control of compliance of patients.

Hair shaft abnormalities after chemotherapy and tamoxifen therapy in patients with breast cancer evaluated by optical coherence tomography

“…The measurements were taken at five different points of each hair, starting at a hair length of 5 mm in increments of 3–5 mm to the last measuring point. In contrast to former studies, 4,18–20 the measurements were carried out ex vivo . Hairs were cut about 1 mm above the scalp and stored in slide mounts before examination by OCT.…”

Application of a plasma-jet for skin antisepsis: analysis of the thermal action of the plasma by laser scanning microscopy

“…The thermal action was investigated by laser scanning microscopy [10][11][12][13][14] and confirmed by histological analysis.…”

Annual banned‐substance review: analytical approaches in human sports drug testing

“…The second method suggests performing an initial testing for the administration of corticosteroids by accurately measuring hair cross sections. [95] Since corticosteroids were shown to significantly increase the diameter of hairs, a preselection of athletes to undergo a full analysis by established (mass spectrometric) procedures is proposed. Major drawbacks, however, also remain with this low-cost alternative, in particular the rather limited comprehensiveness of the presented approach, the lack of data resulting from authentic doping control samples, the necessity that athletes can provide hair samples of sufficient length, the fact that corticosteroids are banned in-competition only and that specified routes of administration are allowed, etc.…”