Anti-Doping Sample Handling

• Testing information extracted from the 2015 World Anti-Doping Code

Types of Samples

• Two types of biological material are collected and analyzed by WADA labs: urine and blood.
• Urine is the most commonly collected sample.
• Blood is increasingly collected to detect substances like human Growth Hormone (hGH).
• Alcohol is prohibited in certain sports and is detected through breath and/or blood analysis.

Analytical and Technical Processes

• Upon receipt of samples, the transport container is inspected for any irregularities.
• The transfer of samples from the courier includes documenting the date, time of receipt, name, and signature of the Laboratory representative.
• This information is included in the Laboratory Internal Chain of Custody records.

Handling and Retention of Samples

• Laboratories must have a system to uniquely identify samples and associate each one with its collection document.
• Laboratories must have Laboratory Internal Chain of Custody procedures to maintain control and accountability for samples from receipt through final disposition.
• Laboratories must observe and document any conditions at the time of receipt that could adversely impact the integrity of a sample.

Examples of Irregularities

• Sample tampering is evident
• Sample is not sealed with a tamper-resistant device or is not sealed upon receipt.
• Sample lacks a collection form (including the sample identification code), or a blank form is received.
• Sample identification is unacceptable if the number on the bottle does not match the sample identification number on the form.
• Sample volume is inadequate for the requested testing menu.
• Sample transport conditions are not consistent with preserving the integrity of the sample for anti-doping analysis.

Handling and Retention Continued

• If irregularities are noted, the Laboratory must notify and seek instructions from the Testing Authority regarding rejection or testing.
• When the Laboratory receives more than two samples linked to a single collection session from the same athlete, the analysis of the first and last samples collected is prioritized.
• The Laboratory may combine Aliquots from multiple Samples if necessary for proper analysis.
• The “A” and “B” samples without an Adverse Analytical Finding or Atypical Finding must be retained for a minimum of three months.

Storage of Samples

• Samples with irregularities must be stored frozen for a minimum of three months following the report to the Testing Authority.
• After the applicable storage period, the Laboratory shall dispose of the sample, unless can be stored for up to ten years under continuous chain of custody.
• If consent has been obtained from the Athlete, samples may be retained for research.
• Disposal and long-term storage of samples shall be conducted and recorded under the Laboratory Internal Chain of Custody.
• If the Testing Authority informs the Laboratory that a sample analysis is challenged, disputed, or under longitudinal investigation, the sample and all related records must be stored frozen until completion of the investigation.
• The Laboratory shall maintain custody information on sample transfers to another Laboratory.
• If both “A” and “B” samples have Adverse Analytical Findings and no challenge, dispute, or longitudinal study is pending, samples are made anonymous for research with the Athlete's consent or disposed of.
• Samples used for research must have identification removed or be transferred into an anonymous container.
• Samples may be stored long-term for up to ten years at the Testing Authority’s direction, and all records retained.