The available methodologies at the Laboratory are focussed around the sensitive, highly compound specific detection of primarily veterinary and human drug substances (molecules), employing mass spectrometric methods in most instances. In line with the modern international norm for racing laboratories, solid phase extraction and/or liquid- liquid extraction is combined with LC/MS/MS and GC/MS/MS mass spectrometry as detection methodology. The specimens from horses and samples from riders are primarily bloods and urines. Methodologies which are in place and which have been developed are designed for cost effectiveness, robustness and high throughput analysis.  The above ensures cost-effectiveness, accurate, highly compound specific screening and confirmation results and short reporting times.

The following extraction, chromatographic and detection techniques and instrumentation are available and being employed in the Laboratory for screening, confirmation and contract analysis:

• Liquid/liquid extraction
• Solid phase extraction (SPE)
• GC/MS/MS (Triple Quadrupole)
• LC/MS/MS and LC/MS3 (Hybrid Triple Quadrupole Linear Ion Trap)
• LC/MS/MS (Triple Quadrupole)
• Enzyme linked immunoassays (ELISA)

The following drug classes are or can be screened for at the Laboratory as part of horseracing and animal sports contract analysis:

• Anabolic steroids
• Analgesics
• Antidepressants
• Antihistamines
• Barbiturates
• Beta-agonists
• Beta-blockers
• Bronchodilators
• Corticosteroids
• Diuretics
• Local anaesthetics
• Muscle relaxants
• Narcotics
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID's)
• Sedatives
• Stimulants
• Tranquilisers
• Protein hormones (e.g. GH, EPO etc.)

and other less prominent drug classes.