Introduction of a PEGylated EPO conjugate as internal standard for EPO analysis in doping controls.

Immunopurification of doping control samples is a mandatory necessity in erythropoietin (EPO) analysis during a confirmation procedure; moreover, it has become common practice to also immunopurify samples for the initial testing procedure. Typically used materials (e.g.

Isolation, enrichment, and analysis of erythropoietins in anti-doping analysis by receptor-coated magnetic beads and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Human erythropoietin (hEPO) is an erythropoiesis stimulating hormone frequently employed in antianemia therapy. Its capability to increase the amount of red blood cells however makes hEPO and its derivatives also attractive to dishonest athletes aiming at an artificial and illicit enhancement of their endurance performance. A major objective of the international antidoping fight is the elimination of drug misuse and prevention of severe adverse effects caused by nontherapeutic administrations of highly potent drugs.