DOPING CONTROL AND TESTING
DOPING CONTROL AND TESTING
International Standard for Testing and Investigation
• To plan for intelligent and effective Testing, both In-Competition and Out-of-Competition, and to maintain the integrity and identity of the Samples collected from the point the Athlete is notified of his/her selection for Testing, to the point the Samples are delivered to the Laboratory for analysis.
• To establish mandatory standards for the efficient and effective gathering, assessment and use of anti-doping intelligence and for the efficient and effective conduct of investigations into possible anti-doping rule violations.
• PHI-NADO aims to have a robust and effective Test Distribution Plan in the Philippines, maintaining the integrity of the doping control process we administer aligned and compliant with the WADA standards.
Athlete's Rights and Responsibilities
The athlete should be informed about his/her rights during the Doping Control process.
• Have a representative, and if available, an interpreter.
• Ask for additional information about the sample collection procedure.
• Request for a delay in reporting to the Doping Control Station for a valid reason (to be determined by Doping Control Officer).
• Request for modifications to the procedure, if you are an athlete with disability.
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Responsibilities
The athlete should also fulfill his/her responsibilities.
• Remain within direct observation of the chaperone/DCO at all times, from notification until the completion of the Sample Collection procedure.
• Provide appropriate and legitimate identification.
• Comply with Sample Collection procedures—failure to do so may constitute to an anti-Doping Rule Violation.
• Report immediately for a test, unless there are valid reasons for a delay.
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Urine Sample Collection
Steps in Conducting Urine Sample Collection
Notification: Athletes are notified that they have been selected for doping control testing, and they are given a specific time and location to report for testing.
Identification: Athletes are required to provide identification and sign consent forms before the testing begins.
Sample Collection: A qualified doping control officer (DCO) collects the urine sample from the athlete. The athlete is required to remain under observation by the DCO until the sample is collected. The DCO may also ask the athlete to provide information about any medications, supplements, or medical conditions that may affect the test results.
Sample Preparation: The urine sample is divided into two parts, the 60ml will be on A bottle and 30ml will be on the B bottle. The A sample is analyzed first, and the B sample is kept in reserve in case the A sample produces a positive result or is damaged during testing. A few drops of urine will be used to check the specific gravity of the sample.
Laboratory Analysis: The urine samples are analyzed by accredited laboratories using state-of-the-art techniques to detect the presence of prohibited substances or evidence of blood doping.
Results Management: The laboratory reports the results to the athlete, their National Anti-Doping Organization (NADO), and WADA. If the A sample produces a positive result, the athlete has the right to request analysis of the B sample to confirm the result.
Sanctions: If the doping control test produces a positive result, the athlete may face sanctions, including disqualification from their competition and a ban from future competitions. The length of the ban depends on the type of violation and the athlete's previous doping history.
It's worth noting that the procedures for doping control urine testing may vary slightly depending on the competition and the organization responsible for the testing. However, the general process outlined above is typical of most doping control blood tests.
Blood Sample Collection
Steps in Conducting Blood Sample Collection
Notification: Athletes are notified that they have been selected for doping control testing, and they are given a specific time and location to report for testing.
Identification: Athletes are required to provide identification and sign consent forms before the testing begins.
Sample Collection: A qualified doping control officer (DCO) collects the blood sample from the athlete. The athlete is required to remain under observation by the DCO until the sample is collected. The DCO may also ask the athlete to provide information about any medications, supplements, or medical conditions that may affect the test results.
Sample Preparation: The blood sample is divided into two parts, the A sample and the B sample. The A sample is analyzed first, and the B sample is kept in reserve in case the A sample produces a positive result or is damaged during testing.
Laboratory Analysis: The blood samples are analyzed by accredited laboratories using state-of-the-art techniques to detect the presence of prohibited substances or evidence of blood doping.
Results Management: The laboratory reports the results to the athlete, their National Anti-Doping Organization (NADO), and WADA. If the A sample produces a positive result, the athlete has the right to request analysis of the B sample to confirm the result.
Sanctions: If the doping control test produces a positive result, the athlete may face sanctions, including disqualification from their competition and a ban from future competitions. The length of the ban depends on the type of violation and the athlete's previous doping history.
It's worth noting that the procedures for doping control blood testing may vary slightly depending on the competition and the organization responsible for the testing. However, the general process outlined above is typical of most doping control blood tests.
RTP and Whereabouts
The Registered Testing Pool (RTP) includes athletes that are subject to the greatest amount of Testing and are therefore required to provide their Whereabouts information.
An International Federation or a National Anti-Doping Organization shall consider the following criteria for including Athletes into a Registered Testing Pool:
a) Athletes who meet the criteria listed in Articles 4.5.2 and 4.5.3 of the WADA ISTI;
b) Athletes whom the International Federation or National Anti-Doping Organization plans to Test at least three (3) times per year Out-ofCompetition (either independently or in agreed coordination with other Anti-Doping Organizations with Testing Authority over the same Athletes);
c) Athletes that are part of the Anti-Doping Organization’s Athlete Biological Passport hematological module program as required by the TDSSA;
d) Athletes in a Testing pool who fail to comply with the applicable whereabouts requirements of that pool.
e) Athletes for whom there is insufficient whereabouts information available for an International Federation or National Anti-Doping Organization to locate them for that Testing from other sources;
f) Athletes in a Team Sport who are not part of Team Activities for a period of time (e.g., during the off-season); and
g) Athletes who are serving a period of Ineligibility.
RTP athletes are required to update their Whereabouts information. An Athlete who is in a Registered Testing Pool shall:
a) Make quarterly Whereabouts Filings that provide accurate and complete information about the Athlete’s whereabouts during the forthcoming quarter, including identifying where they will be living, training and competing during that quarter, and to update those Whereabouts Filings where necessary, so that they can be located for Testing during that quarter at the times and locations specified in the relevant Whereabouts Filing, as specified in Article 4.8.8. A failure to do so may be declared a Filing Failure; and
b) Specify in their Whereabouts Filings, for each day in the forthcoming quarter, one specific 60-minute time slot where they will be available at a specific location for Testing, as specified in Article 4.8.8.3. This does not limit in any way the Athlete’s Code Article 5.2 obligation to submit to Testing at any time and place upon request by an Anti-Doping Organization with authority to conduct Testing on them. Nor does it limit their obligation to provide the information specified in Article 4.8.8.2 as to their whereabouts outside that 60-minute time slot. However, if the Athlete is not available for Testing at such location during the 60-minute time slot specified for that day in their Whereabouts Filing, that failure may be declared a Missed Test. (The purpose of the 60-minute time slot is to strike a balance between the need to locate the Athlete for Testing and the impracticality and unfairness of making Athletes potentially accountable for a Missed Test every time they depart from their previously-declared routine.)
Frequently Asked Questions
What samples do I need to give?
- You can be asked to give a urine sample, or blood sample—Sometimes, both. Upon athlete notification, the DCO or chaperone will tell the athlete which sample will be taken.
What if I failed to provide a 90mL sample of urine?
- No worries! Our DCOs and chaperones follow a partial sample protocol for these cases.
Who will perform the blood sample collection?
- Blood extraction will be administered by our trained Blood Collection Officers (doctors, registered nurses and medical technologists).
Who are most likely to undergo Doping Control?
- National-level and international-level athletes can be selected for Doping Control, specifically those who participate in national and international sporting events.
When can Doping Control take place?
- An athlete can be tested both in competition (IC) and out of competition (OOC), depending on the testing plan by the NADO on OOCTs and the mission order requested by the event organizing committee on ICTs.
How many times can I be tested?
- There is no limit to the number of testing done on the athlete. Once you are selected for Doping Control, you are required to provide the needed sample.
A DCO suddenly visits me at my training venue for testing, but I have other plans. Can I postpone and reschedule the test?
- No, an athlete cannot request for a reschedule. Once you are notified for testing, you need to comply and follow the standard Doping Control procedures.
Can I refuse to be tested?
- According to the ISTI standards, evading, refusing, or failing to submit to sample collection by an athlete is considered an Anti-Doping Rule Violation and will be subject to sanctions.