Improved ultrasonic-based sample treatment for the screening of anabolic steroids by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.
Authors: Galesio M, Rial-Otero R, Simal-Gándara J, de la Torre X, Botrè F, Capelo-Martínez JL A rapid sample treatment procedure for the gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) determination of anabolic steroids in human urine has been developed. The new procedure makes use of ultrasonic energy to reduce reaction times and increase the overall sensitivity. The following variables affecting the performance of the ultrasonic treatment were optimised: (i) time, (ii) device, (iii) frequency, and (iv) temperature. It was found that, under an ultrasonic field, the hydrolysis of conjugated steroids with beta-glucuronidase from Escherichia coli K12 was possible with a treatment time of 10 min. The accuracy and precision of the ultrasonic method were found to be in agreement with ...

IVF age limit 'should be raised'
Women in their early 40s should be given access to IVF on the NHS, draft guidelines for England, Wales and Northern Ireland recommend. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)