Detection of macroprolactin causing hyperprolactinemia in commercial assays for prolactin.

one at the concentration of 7 pg/mg. This result was not challenged by the athlete. Nandrolone has also been identified by this laboratory in the hair of bodybuilders, in concentrations of 1–7 pg/mg (8 ). NA and noretiocholanolone were not detected in any hair. The sensitive, specific, and reproducible method developed appears to be suitable for the detection and quantification of 19-norsteroids in human hair. The determination of one 19-norsteroid in hair may allow unambiguous confirmation of the exact nature of the abused agent. Hair analysis may be a useful adjunct to conventional drug testing in sports because hair can provide a more accurate history of drug use than urine (9 ). This technology may find useful applications in doping control if accepted by the International Olympic Committee.