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Testing Procedures

You should feel prepared and know what to expect when notified that you are to be tested by Doping Control.

It is important to know your rights and responsibilities, including what may happen if you are unable to provide a sample.

The procedures of doping control are:

  • Here is an outline of the Testing Process for a Providing a Sample;

  • Selection: an athlete is selected for doping control.
  • Notification: a Chaperone or DCO will notify you to say you have been selected for testing and will show you their identification. You will be told what samples are being collected and you will be told your rights and responsibilities. You will be asked to show your identification and then you need to sign the top part of the Doping Control Form to confirm you have been notified.
  • Reporting: you will then be chaperoned (observed at all times) as you make your way to the Doping Control Station (DCS). This is where the testing will take place. You should report immediately to the DCS unless you request a delay for a permitted reason.
  • Selecting Sample Collection Equipment: you should be given a choice of sample collection kits. Make sure the kit you select is sealed and has not been tampered with. This is important.
  • Providing a Urine Sample: For urine samples - when ready, you will be asked to wash your hands or wear gloves and then to provide your sample. The DCO, who will be of the same gender as you, will directly observe you providing your sample. You will be asked to remove/lift clothing above your chest and below your knees so the DCO has an unobstructed view.
  • Providing a Blood Sample: For venous blood samples, the BCO (a qualified phlebotomist) will collect the blood sample from you.
  • Splitting the Sample (Urine only): you will need to provide a minimum of 90ml of urine. This may be done on more than one occasion (a partial sample) until you reach the required amount. Once you have 90ml or more, the DCO will ask you to split the sample between the A and B bottles, starting with the B bottle first. Again, you will be given a choice of A and B bottles and you should ensure these have not been tampered with. You should also check that the code on the bottles and lids match each other as well as the stickers and box.
  • Sealing the Sample: once your samples are in the A & B bottles you will be asked to seal them. Make sure you check and recheck that the tamper-evident bottle lids are securely fastened.
  • Checking the Sample’s Concentration (Specific Gravity, Urine only): for the lab to be able to analyse your sample it needs to be of a specific concentration. The DCO will test your sample to make sure it is within range. Should your sample not be in range, you will be asked to provide another sample.
  • Verifying the Sample: you will need to complete the Doping Control Form and sign it to complete the process. Don’t forget to add any medications and/or supplements you have taken within the last seven days and consider allowing your sample to be used for research purposes too. Make sure you take your copy of the Doping Control form which you should keep.
  • Finally, don’t forget that your samples will be sent to a WADA Accredited Lab for analysis. Your A sample will be analysed, and your B sample will be stored securely. Samples can be stored for up to 10 years.

When you are required for a drugs test, you will be notified by a Doping Control Officer (DCO) or a Witnessing Chaperone. They will show you their identification and notify you that you have been selected. You will need to report with the Chaperone or DCO to the Doping Control Station. You will be accompanied at all times by the Chaperone or DCO.

The DCO/Witnessing chaperone

  • Will be the same gender as you
  • Will request a clear and unobstructed viewing of the passing of urine
  • Will not handle the sample collection vessels or the A and B bottles before the sample is sealed

Know your rights and responsibilities

From notification of doping control athletes have the right to:

  • See official identification and evidence of the DCO or Witnessing Chaperone's authority to carry out the test
  • Be accompanied by a representative of their choice to the Doping Control Station
  • Request a delay in reporting to the Doping Control Station for valid reasons
  • Request a DCO or Witnessing Chaperone of the same gender to observe the provision of the sample
  • Ask for additional information about the sample-collection process
  • Comment on the testing procedures for each test taken by the athlete
  • Receive a copy of the doping control form after the test has been taken
  • Ensure confidentiality: no name should be on any documentation intended for the laboratory
  • Request modifications if they are a minor (under 18 years old) or have a disability

Athletes have a responsibility to:

  • Remain within direct observation of the DCO/Chaperone at all times
  • Produce photographic identification
  • Comply with sample collection procedures
  • Report immediately for a test, unless there are valid reasons for a delay

Valid reasons for a delay in reporting to the Doping control Station

In-Competition Testing:

  • Participation in an award ceremony
  • Fulfilment of media commitments
  • Competing in further competitions
  • Performing a warm-down
  • Obtaining necessary medical treatment
  • Locating a representative and/or interpreter
  • Obtaining photo identification
  • Any other exceptional circumstances which may be justified and which shall be documented

Out-of-Competition Testing:

  • Locating a representative
  • Completing a training session
  • Receiving necessary medical treatment
  • Obtaining photo identification
  • Any other exceptional circumstances which can be justified and which shall be documented

After your test

After your test you will need to wait for the results. If your result does not present an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) you will not hear anything afterwards. If your result does represent an AAF you will be contacted by a letter via recorded delivery and can then either apply for a TUE or request that the B-sample is tested. British Triathlon encourages athletes to contact us for support following taking an anti-doping test  cleansport@britishtriathlon.org

 

 

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