Drug Screen – Corticosteroids (LC/MS)

The Drug Screen – Corticosteroids (LC/MS) test employs liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) to detect and quantify corticosteroids in biological samples. This test targets a range of commonly used corticosteroids, including betamethasone, dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, prednisone, and triamcinolone acetonide. Corticosteroid screening is crucial in veterinary medicine for monitoring therapeutic drug levels, detecting misuse, or investigating potential side effects. LC/MS provides high sensitivity and specificity, enabling accurate identification of these drugs even at low concentrations. This test is particularly valuable for cases involving suspected overuse, compliance monitoring, or determining the presence of corticosteroids in performance animals.

5 ml Serum

Collect an adequate amount of blood in a plain red-top tube or serum separator tube (yellow-top tube). Allow it to clot at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes before separation.
Centrifuge to separate the serum. Transfer the clear serum into a new, leak-proof plain red-top tube and label it as "serum."
Excessively hemolyzed samples are not suitable for this test.
Unspun samples will not be accepted.
Refrigerate sample at 4oC until shipment.

Label each sample with the animal’s name and a unique identifier, using a permanent marker or a secure adhesive label
Ensure the submittal form is completed with the animal’s information and relevant medical history.

Webb, A.I., et al. (2023). "LC/MS Applications in Veterinary Medicine: Detection of Corticosteroids in Clinical Practice." Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation.
Spoo, J.W., et al. (2022). "Therapeutic Monitoring and Misuse Detection of Corticosteroids in Animals." Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice.
Reinhard, C.A., et al. (2021). "Analytical Techniques for Corticosteroid Detection: Advances and Veterinary Applications." Journal of Small Animal Practice.