How does testing for clenbuterol work?
(Peter Van Eenoo) PVE: Through a combined detection method called GC-MS. Part of the process is gas chromatography [GC], which separates different elements, and the other part, mass spectrometry [MS], identifies them. CW: Any major advances in the last few years on this process? PVE: Not over the last two decades or so. Just that the instruments which we used have got a lot more sensitive. We’re getting better at detecting it. CW: Although there have been reports that only four labs in the world could have detected the levels found recently in Alberto Contador’s urine… PVE: That story can only be completely made up. Each WADA lab only knows their own results from tests, and although we do talk to each other, we don’t know where the other results have come from, they’re completely anonymous. I don’t see how anybody can have said that. CW: Could a positive for clenbuterol come from other causes than direct doping? PVE: It’s possible. Contaminated products or foodstuffs are possible cau
