As part of WADA’s move towards ensuring Anti-Doping Organizations implement more intelligent and effective anti-doping programs, “WADA, in consultation with International Federations, adopted an International Standard that establishes by means of a risk assessment which Prohibited Substances and Prohibited Methods are most likely to be abused in particular sports and disciplines.”

 

This Technical Document for Sport Specific Analysis (TDSSA) is intended to ensure that the Prohibited Substances are deemed to be at risk of abuse in certain sports are subject to an appropriate and consistent level of analysis by all anti-doping Organisations that conduct testing in those sports.

The Minimum Level of Analysis (MLA) requirements are now implemented by WADA for:

ESAs – Erythropoiesis Stimulating Agents

GH – Growth Hormone

GHRFs – Growth Hormone Releasing factors

 

The TDSSA will come into effect on 1 January 2015. These prohibited chemicals will be tested in a proportion separately nearby the routine ant doping tests.

 

Erythropoiesis Stimulating Agents (ESAs)

ESAs include recombinant erythropoietins and their analogues and mimetics that stimulate erythropoiesis (red blood cell production). ESAs increase net oxygen delivery to muscles by increasing red cell mass and VO2max, thereby improving endurance. ESAs are also known to allow Athletes to undertake intensive training sessions and be used to support a faster recovery during heavy training phases. ESAs are detectable in either blood or urine.

 

Human Growth Hormone (GH)

GH is a hormone normally produced by the pituitary gland of the brain. The metabolic actions of GH also interact with those of Insulin and anabolic steroids promoting enhanced anabolic effects and increased lean muscle mass. Growth hormone also has a strong lipolytic effect (loss of fat) and may improve soft tissue healing and recovery. Currently, GH can only be detected in blood serum.

 

Growth Hormone Releasing Factors (GHRFs)

GHRFs are synthetic substances that may have performance enhancing effects by stimulating the endogenous production of GH. GHRFs can be analysed in urine or blood serum.