You can read about the Doping Control Process below. However, if you prefer to watch a about video about the doping control process, WADA have produced a video, available in 12 languages. This video provides athletes with basic information about their rights and responsibilities in the doping control process and outlines each phases of the process: athlete selection, athlete notification, sample collection, laboratory analysis, and results management. The YouTube playlist of the 12 videos is available here You can also access the English and French versions in the VIDEO section of this website
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The Doping Control Process - how it works
If you are competing at the national or international level, you are subject to doping control and can be tested anytime or anywhere. You can be tested by relevant National Anti-Doping Organizations (NADOs), International Federations (IFs) and Major Event Organizations (MEOs). When you are selected for doping control, you have a series of rights and responsibilities.
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 ADOs authority they are being tested.
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).
Choosing sample collection vessel (urine sample) and/or blood collection kit (blood sample)
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.
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 sample).
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 affords the athlete the opportunity to have second analysis performed in the event their ‘A sample returns and 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.
Sealing of the sample
The athlete will seal the A and B bottles.
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).
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.
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.
Rights during a sample collection session
Following the International Standard for Testing and Investigations, when subject to a sample collection session, an athlete has the right :
- to see the identification of the doping control officer,
- to ask for additional information about the sample collection process,
- to be informed of the authority under which the sample collection is to be conducted, the type of sample collection and any conditions that need to be adhered to prior to the sample collection,
- to hydrate (unless they have provided a sample that does not meet the requirement for suitable specific gravity for analysis),
- the right to be accompanied by a representative,
- the right to delay reporting to the doping control station for valid reasons,
- the right to be informed of their rights and responsibilities,
- the right to document any concerns about the process,
- and the right to receive a copy of the records of the sample collection session.
Right to B sample analysis
An athlete has the right, when analysis of their A sample results in an adverse analytical finding, to request analysis of their B sample as provided in the Code and International Standards. (Code Articles 2.1.2, 6.7 and 7.2, International Standard for Results Management, International Standard for Laboratories)
Where the B sample analysis does not confirm the A sample finding, the athlete who was provi-sionally suspended is allowed, where circumstances permit, to participate in subsequent competitions during the event, and depending upon the relevant rules of the international federation in a team sport, if the team is still in competition, the athlete may be able to take part in future competitions. (Code Article 7.2 and 7.4.5 and International Standard for Results Management)
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