Doping test

To ensure compliance with anti-doping rules, athletes are selected after a competition or during the out-of-competition period and are asked to provide a urine or blood sample. The selection of athletes for doping control is carried out in accordance with the relevant regulations of the respective sports federation or anti-doping organization.

In Germany, for example, all out-of-competition testing is planned and conducted by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA). During a doping test, athletes provide a urine sample, two-thirds of which is placed in an A-sample bottle and one-third in a B-sample bottle. Both sample bottles are then sealed in the athlete’s presence.

• Informational video: How a doping test works
• The blood passport as a doping control measure
• Doping control – WADA-accredited laboratories

Doping control laboratory

Both samples are transported to a doping control laboratory accredited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), where the A sample is analyzed first. If a prohibited doping substance or the use of a prohibited method is detected in the A sample, the relevant sports federation is notified. The federation informs the athlete of the positive result, and the athlete may request that the B sample be opened.

However, the athlete may also waive the analysis of the B sample. If the B sample is analyzed, the athlete may be present and/or appoint an expert to represent them. Only if the B sample analysis confirms the result of the A sample analysis is the sample considered positive, and the federation may impose sanctions on the athlete.