Not sure if anyone will find this interesting but here is what I've found as what these tests might possibly contain. I see a reoccuring substance: vanillin.
Found in: Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology vol.18 issue 1:
The detection and identification of synthetic steroids in horse urine. (1965-66)
A scheme for the detection of synthetic steroids which could be used in the “doping” of race-horses is described. The method involves extraction from urine into ethyl acetate: ether (1:1) followed by initial two-dimensional thin-layer chromatography using (1) ethyl acetate (2) methylene chloride: dioxan: water (100:50:50). Elution of the ultraviolet absorbing spots for extinction measurements is followed by further one way thin-layer chromatography as free alcohols in amyl acetate: acetone (1:1). Further chromatography of the steroid alcohols in chloroform: ether: water (80:20:0·5) on formamide-impregnated plates and chromatography of the acetates in ether helps to identify the unknown steroid. Additional identification is made by colour reactions with (1) a tetrazolium reagent (2) VANILLIN: perchloric acid.
Found in: TLC Visualization Reagents
Vanillin / sulfuric acid
For detection of steroids, Note, this reagent can only be used with G (gypsum) binder plates since it will char the
polymer binders in the harder layer plates.
Spray with a 1% solution of vanillin in conc. sulfuric acid and at 120 C until maximum color formation.
Another formulation of this reagent: 0.5g vanillin in 100ml sulfuric acid/ethanol (40:10).
Always remember to look under normal light and also short and long wavelength UV light so as not to miss any
possibilities.
Many of the reagents for these visualizers can be found in the EMD Chemicals catalog or on the website
(
www.emdchemicals.com).
Found in: CHEM 536 - Thin Layer Cromatography
Abstracted from Searle Separations Department Procedure SEP-120
Introduction
General Procedure for the preparation and application for the following TLC visualization reagents
Vanillin/Sulfuric acid
General detection method for steroids, higher alcohols, phenols, and essential oils.
Phosphoric acid
For detection of sterols, STEROIDS, and bile acids
...Results: Sterols, steroids and bile acids and bile acids produce various colors under visible and UV light.
Vanadium (V) / sulfuric acid
For detection of carbohydrates, glycols, reducing carboxylic acids, STEROIDS, antioxidants, vitamins, phenols, aromatic amines, antihistamines
Re: Ultraviolet light from wikipedia:
Ultraviolet A UVA 400 – 315 nm 3.10 – 3.94 eV long wave
Ultraviolet B UVB 315 – 280 nm 3.94 – 4.43 eV medium wave