Detection of Darbepoetin Alfa Misuse in Urine and Blood

Abstract

The large number of samples containing detectable amounts of darbepoetin alfa at 10 d into the washout period stipulate the possibility of a 7-d window of detection after administration, wherein a sample would be regarded as an adverse analytical finding. The marked variations in all examined blood parameters could be used for the targeting of urine samples. These preliminary findings open up for larger scale studies with more frequent urine sampling in the washout period on elite athletes.