Doping Control: Adverse Analytical Findings
This subject covers information on:
» What is an Adverse Analytical Finding?
An adverse analytical finding is a report for the laboratory or other approved testing entity that identifies in a specimen the presence of a prohibited substance or its metabolites or markers (including elevated quantities of endogenous substances) or evidence of the use of a prohibited method.
» The testing and analysis process
ASADA doping control officials collect urine and/or blood samples from athletes either in competition or out-of competition. The same sample is divided into two parts – the 'A' sample and the 'B' sample.
The athlete’s secure samples and doping control form is then transported to a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) accredited laboratory, such as the Australian Sports Drug Testing Laboratory in Sydney. The laboratory conducts an analysis of the 'A' sample for substances that are on the prohibited list published annually by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The 'B' sample is placed into storage. The laboratory is not aware of the athlete’s name when a sample is provided to it for analysis.
» What happens if the 'A' sample returns an adverse analytical finding?
The laboratory will notify ASADA when an 'A' sample returns an adverse analytical finding (presence of a prohibited substance).
Before notifying the athlete of an adverse analytical finding in the 'A' sample, ASADA is required to be satisfied that:
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there has been no departure from the WADA Standards for Testing and Laboratory Analysis that undermines the validity of a finding that the 'A' sample has returned an adverse analytical finding; and
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the athlete does not have a current Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) or Abbreviated Therapeutic Use Exemption (ATUE) for the substance involved.
Once it is confirmed that it is an adverse analytical finding, the athlete concerned is contacted as soon as practicable by ASADA staff and provided with the details of the adverse analytical finding.
In certain circumstances, when the athlete is notified of the adverse analytical finding, ASADA may notify the athlete’s National Sports Federation, so long as the sport has provided an undertaking to ASADA that the details of the adverse analytical finding will be kept confidential. The athlete will also be notified the sport is being notified.
Once notified of the adverse analytical finding in the 'A' sample, the athlete can:
» Analysis of the 'B' sample
Under ASADA’s legislation, the athlete is given 7 days from the notification of the adverse analytical finding in the 'A' sample to elect to have the 'B' sample analysed by the laboratory.
Once the athlete notifies ASADA that he or she wishes to have the 'B' sample analysed, ASADA will schedule a date for analysis with the laboratory and notify the athlete. The athlete is entitled to attend the analysis and/or have a representative attend.
If the 'B' sample is negative, ASADA will declare on overall negative test result.
If the 'B' sample is positive, the athlete and the athlete’s sport will be notified of the adverse analytical finding 'B' sample. ASADA may recommend on the sanction that should be imposed against the athlete.
» Hearing processes
The athlete is able to accept the result and the recommended sanction, following either an 'A' sample adverse analytical finding or the 'B' sample adverse analytical finding.
Alternatively, the athlete has the opportunity to have the adverse analytical finding result considered by a tribunal.
The anti-doping policies of individual sports contain arrangements for tribunal hearings of doping matters. While the majority of sports utilise the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) as their doping tribunal, some sports, for example the professional codes, constitute their own tribunals. The CAS and other doping tribunals operate entirely separately from ASADA.
ASADA has the legislative authority to present findings against athletes at the CAS or other tribunal. However, where ASADA believes that a sport has a robust and transparent tribunal process in place, it can reach an agreement with the sport which will enable the sport itself to present the case against the athlete.
Once it concludes its hearing, the CAS or other tribunal will issue its decision on whether an Anti-Doping Rule Violation has occurred, and, if so, the sanction that should be applied. The athlete has other opportunities to appeal against this decision.
» Enforcement of the sanction
Once an Anti-Doping Rule Violation has been established and a sanction confirmed, it is the responsibility of each relevant sport to impose and enforce the sanction on the athlete concerned.
» About ASADA
ASADA is Australia’s peak anti-doping authority with wide ranging powers established under legislation to deter, detect and present cases at tribunals against athletes and their support personnel found in breach of Australia’s anti-doping rules.
ASADA’s vision is to be Australia’s driving force for pure performance in sport; ASADA’s mission is to protect Australia’s sporting integrity through the elimination of doping.
» More information
For more information questions should be directed to the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority on (02) 6200 0200 or email asada@asada.gov.au
This page last updated
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Copyright © 2008, Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA)
