Testing Procedures
Athletes who compete in sport and who are under the jurisdiction of the antidoping rules, can have their urine and/or blood tested anytime, anywhere by IFMA or by any NADO. Testing can be conducted in-competition and out-of-competition, such as at an athlete’s home, place of work or training venue. The IFMA In-Competition and Out-Of-Competition Testing Program are independently managed by ITA (International Testing Agency).
How athletes are selected for testing
In-Competition
Athletes can be chosen by random selection, finishing position, or targeted for a specific reason.
Out-of-Competition
Athletes may be tested anytime, anywhere, and with no advance notice.
The Testing Process
Doping Control
Athletes can be selected for urine and/or blood testing at any time and in any place.
Athlete Selection
The athlete will be notified by a Doping Control Officer (DCO) or chaperone of their selection for doping control. The athlete will be asked to sign a form confirming that they understand their rights and responsibilities.
Report to the Doping Control Station
The athlete must report to the doping control station without delay. The DCO may allow a delay in reporting, but only for a valid reason.
Choose the Sample Collection Equipment
Athletes are given a choice of individually sealed sample collection vessels and kits to select from.
Provide a Sample
Athletes may be asked to provide urine and/or blood samples.
Urine samples are provided under the direct supervision of a DCO or a witnessing chaperone of the same gender. A minimum volume of 90 mL is required. If the first sample does not meet this requirement, the athlete may be asked to wait and provide an additional sample.
Before a blood test, the athlete will be asked to remain seated for a period of time. The athlete will then choose a sample collection kit, inspect it, and verify that all sample code numbers match. If the kit includes pre-printed barcode labels, the athlete will place these on the tubes.
Blood kits may include up to five tubes:
- Two tubes (A and B samples) for analysis of whole blood
- Two tubes (A and B samples) for analysis of serum
- One tube (A sample only) for the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP)
Each tube typically contains approximately 3–5 mL of blood.
Splitting the Sample (Urine)
The athlete will divide their urine sample into an A bottle and a B bottle.
Seal the Samples
The athlete will seal the A and B bottles or blood tubes according to the DCO’s instructions.
Complete the Doping Control Form
The athlete will review and confirm that all information is correct, including the sample code number and the declaration of any medications and/or products used. For blood tests, the athlete must also declare whether they have received any blood transfusions within the previous three months.
The athlete will receive a copy of the completed Doping Control Form.
The Analysis
All samples are sent to a WADA-accredited laboratory for analysis.
Athlete Biological Passport (ABP)
The fundamental principle of the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) is to monitor selected biological variables over time. This allows the indirect detection of doping effects rather than directly identifying a prohibited substance or method.
Anti-doping organizations can integrate the ABP into a broader anti-doping programme in order to:
- Identify athletes who may require further attention through timely and informed interpretation of Passport data, helping direct target testing or investigations more effectively
- Pursue potential anti-doping rule violations under the World Anti-Doping Code, Article 2.2: use or attempted use of a prohibited substance or prohibited method