Doping Control Process
World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) doping control is divided into In-Competition and Out-of-Competition testing to ensure fair play year-round. These tests monitor athletes for prohibited substances and methods as outlined in the WADA Prohibited List.
In-Competition Testing
Testing that takes place during a specific event. By default, the in-competition period begins at 11:59 PM the night before a competition and lasts until the end of the competition and the associated sample collection process.
Purpose: To detect the use of substances or methods used acutely to enhance performance during the event itself.
Selection: Athletes are typically selected based on their finishing position (e.g., top 3 or top 5), random selection, or targeted testing (e.g., for suspected rule violations).
Out-of-Competition (OOC) Testing
Any testing that occurs outside the in-competition period. It is conducted with no advance notice at any time or place, such as an athlete's home, training facility, or training camp.
Purpose: To deter and detect doping during training periods and prevent athletes from using performance-enhancing drugs that leave their system before a competition.
Whereabouts: To facilitate this, top-tier athletes must submit strict Whereabouts Filings outlining their location for 60-minute windows every day to ensure they are accessible for unannounced testing.
Anti-Doping Process
1. Notification
The athlete is notified by a doping control officer (DCO) or chaperone that they have been selected for doping control (testing) and they are informed under which ADO's authority they are being tested.
2. Reporting to the Doping Control Station
The athlete must report to the doping control station immediately (although they may be excused for medal ceremonies etc. once they've checked in).
3. Choosing a sample collection vessel and/or blood collection kit
- The athlete will choose a urine sample collection vessel from a selection made available by the doping control personnel.
- If a blood sample is collected, the athlete will choose a blood collection kit from a selection made available by the doping control personnel.
4. Providing a sample
- The DCO or chaperone will witness the passing of the urine sample when the athlete is ready to provide it.
- A blood collection officer (BCO) will draw blood from the athlete using two vials (which will become the A & B samples).
5. Splitting of the sample
The athlete will divide their urine into the A and B bottles, saving a residual amount of urine in the sample collection vessel. The B sample allows the athlete to have a second analysis performed in the event their A sample returns an adverse analytical finding (a 'positive' result).
If a blood sample is collected, the blood vials will be placed in the A and B blood sample collection bottles. Only one vial may be necessary if the blood sample is collected as part of an Athlete Biological Passport program.
6. Sealing of the sample
The athlete will seal the A and B bottles.
7. Measuring specific gravity (urine)
The DCO measures the specific gravity of the athlete's urine to determine whether it meets laboratory standards. If the sample is too dilute, the athlete will be asked to provide additional sample(s).
8. Completing the Doping Control Form (DCF)
The athlete completes the DCF, either in paper or digital format, with the DCO. The athlete is asked to provide personal information, a list of substances or methods used, and any comments they may have related to the doping control process. The athlete receives a print or digital copy of the DCF.
9. The sample is sent to the laboratory
The athlete's sealed sample is secured and sent to a WADA-accredited laboratory. A blood sample collected as part of the ABP program may be analyzed by a WADA-approved laboratory. The laboratory copy of the DCF that accompanies the sample is anonymized, indicating only the sample bottle number, sport, and the athlete's gender.