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Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry

Meaning

Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS) is a highly specialized analytical technique used to measure the subtle variations in the natural abundance of stable isotopes of elements like carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen within a chemical compound. In the field of hormonal health, IRMS is a powerful forensic tool utilized to distinguish between endogenous (naturally produced) and exogenous (administered) steroid hormones, such as testosterone. This distinction is critical for anti-doping testing and clinical investigations of hormonal imbalances.