What is doping control
Sample collection (also known as doping control) is an essential part of promoting and protecting doping-free sport. Sample collection detects the use of a prohibited substance, or prohibited method, by an athlete.
Sample collection consists of testing by an anti-doping organization (such as ALB NADO) and sample analysis, by a laboratory accredited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
Sample collection can be either in-competition (IC) or out-of-competition (OOC) (such as at an athlete’s training venue or home). Most of the testing is carried out with no-advance-notice. The test can involve the collection of urine, blood, or both.
Athletes must comply with a valid request for testing. Athletes may face sanctions if they refuse to comply. The penalty for refusing to provide a sample upon a valid request may be the same as providing a sample that contains a prohibited substance.
ALB NADO’s doping control program complies with the World Anti-Doping Code and the International Standard for Testing.
Why Me?
In-competition you can be chosen by random selection, finishing position or by being targeted for a particular reason.
Out-of-competition you may be tested anytime, anywhere and with no advance notice.
If you are a minor or an athlete with a specific disability, you may require slight modifications to the sample collection procedure. You can discuss these modifications with the DCO at the time of testing.
International Standards for Testing and Investigations
Doping control is based on the International Standards for Testing and Investigations.
The purpose of the International Standard for Testing and Investigations (ISTI) is to plan for effective testing and to maintain the integrity and identity of samples, from notifying the athlete to transporting samples for analysis.
International Standards for Testing and Investigations
Athletes' Rights and Responsibilities
During doping control, you have certain rights and responsibilities:
You have the right to:
- Take a representative with you (recommended). If necessary (and possible) you can also take an interpreter with you;
- Ask for additional information about the Sample collection process.
- Request a delay in reporting to the Doping Control Station for valid reasons:
- In Competition Testing:
- To collect your clothing, identification and/or your representative and an interpreter, if needed, to take with you to the control station
- Participation in a presentation ceremony
- Competing in further competitions
- Performing a warm down
- Obtaining necessary medical treatment
- Out-of-Competition Testing:
- To collect your clothing, identification and/or your representative and an interpreter, if needed, to take with you to the control station
- Completing a training session
- Obtaining necessary medical treatment
- Any other reasonable circumstances, as determined by the DCO, considering any instructions of the Testing Authority.
To request modifications to the test procedure according to the World Anti-Doping Agency WADA`s International Standard for Testing and Investigations (ISTI) if you are a disabled or minor athlete.
You have the responsibility to:
- Remain within the sight of sample collection personnel throughout the doping control process.
- Produce identification.
- Comply with sample collection procedures.
- Report immediately to the doping control station for testing unless delayed for valid reasons.
- Maintain control of your sample until it is sealed.
Sample Collection Process - urine
Explore the Steps of the Blood Collection Process
1. Notification
An antidoping official will notify you that you have been selected for a doping control test.
The official will be wearing identification and will ask you to sign a notification form.
2. Reporting
You must remain in direct sight of the official and report to the doping control station to sign as soon as possible.
You may ask for a representative to accompany you.
3. Choose kit for the Sample Collection
Choose a venipuncture and sample security kit.
4. Relax
You will be required to rest for a minimum of 10 minutes.
5. Blood Collection
A trained, experienced phlebotomist will draw blood for the test.
6. Seal Kits
You will seal the bottles containing your tubes of blood.
7. Completing the procedure
DCO and the athlete will write any comments on the form regarding doping control process.
You then sign out, taking the copy of the form and the procedure is finished.
Modifications for Disabled Athletes
As defined by the World Anti-Doping Code: Athletes with a disability may request slight modifications to sample collection process.
An athlete with a restricted mobility or restricted manual dexterity may ask the athlete representative or the DCO to assist when handling equipment, splitting the sample, or completing paperwork.
Athletes with significant lack of coordination may use a larger collection vessel if available.
Athletes with a visual impairment may be always accompanied by an athlete representative during the sample collection including the washroom area; however, the representative will not witness the passing of the sample. The athlete representative or the DCO may read the doping control form to you, and you may ask the athlete representative to sign the doping control form on your behalf.
Athletes with an intellectual disability may be always accompanied by an athlete representative during the sample collection procedure, including the washroom area; however, the representative will not witness the passing of the sample.
Athletes using indwelling catheter drainage should remove the existing collection bag and drain the system so that a fresh sample can be obtained.
Athletes who self-catheterize may use their own catheter to provide a sample (this catheter should be produced in tamper-evident wrapping), or use one provided by the DCO if available.
Modifications for Minors
Due to the sensitivity of a minor being involved in the sample collection process, extra precautions can be taken and in such cases athletes are encouraged to take advantage of the minor policy.
As defined by the World Anti-Doping Agency Code: If an athlete is a minor he or she may be accompanied by an athlete representative at all times during the sample collection procedure, including in the washroom area; however, the representative will not witness the passing of the sample. If the athlete decides not to have a representative present, the DCO may ask a third party to be present. In this instance the third party will not witness the passing of the sample but will witness the observing DCO or chaperone.