Testing Procedures

Athletes who compete in sport and who are under the jurisdiction of the anti-doping rules, can have their urine and/or blood tested anytime, anywhere by their IF, NADO or a Major Event Organizer. Specially trained doping control personnel carry out all tests.

Testing can be conducted in-competition and out-of-competition such as at an athlete’s home, place of work or training venue.

Athletes should always submit a sample.  Giving only a partial sample or refusing to provide a sample could be an Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV).

Athletes have the right to provide comments about the conduct of their test.

How are athletes selected for testing?

In-competition – athletes can be chosen by random selection, finishing position or by being targeted for a particular reason.

Out-of-Competition – athletes may be tested anytime, anywhere and with no advance notice.

Other things to know

If the athlete is a minor or is an athlete with an impairment, modifications to the sample collection procedure can be made, where necessary and possible.

Athletes’ Rights and Responsibilities

Athletes have the right to:

  • have a representative and, if available, an interpreter
  • ask for additional information about the sample collection process
  • request a delay in reporting to the Doping Control Station for valid reasons (as determined by the DCO).
  • If you are an athlete with a disability, to request modifications to the sample collection procedure

Athletes have a responsibility to:

  • Remain within direct observation of the DCO/chaperone at all times from the point of notification until the completion of the sample collection process.
  • Produce appropriate identification.
  • Comply with sample collection procedures (failure to do so may constitute an anti-doping rule violation).
  • Report immediately for doping control, unless there are compelling reasons for a delay.

WADA’s Doping Control Video provides athletes with basic information about their rights and responsibilities in the doping control process.

DOPING CONTROL PROCESS (urine)

The 11 stages of the Doping Control:

  • Athlete Selection – Athletes can be selected for testing at any time and any place.
  • Notification – A Doping Control Office (DCO) or chaperone will notify the athlete of their selection and outline their rights and responsibilities.
  • Reporting to the Doping Control Station – Athletes should report for their test immediately.  The DCO may allow a delay in reporting – however only for a valid reason.
  • Sample collection equipment – Athletes are given a choice of individually sealed sample collection vessels and kits to choose from.
  • Providing a Sample – Athletes will be asked to provide a urine sample under the direct observation of a DCO or witnessing chaperone of the same gender.
  • Volume of urine – A minimum 90mL is required for urine samples.  If the first sample is not 90mL the athlete may be asked to wait and provide an additional sample.
  • Splitting the sample – Athletes will split their sample into A and B bottle.
  • Sealing the samples – Athletes will seal the A and B bottles in accordance with the DCO’s instructions.
  • Measuring specific gravity – The DCO will measure the specific gravity of the sample to ensure it is not too diluted to analyse.
  • Completing the Doping Control Form – Athletes will check and confirm that all of the information is correct, including the sample code number and their declaration of medications and/or products they have used.  They will receive a copy of the doping control form.
  • The Laboratory Process – All samples are sent to WADA accredited laboratories.

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