The process of informing an athlete that they have been selected for testing, known as notification, usually takes place immediately after a match, race, training session, or similar sporting activity.

Once notified, the athlete is required to report to the doping control station (DCS) as soon as possible. During this time, the athlete will be accompanied by a Doping Control Officer (DCO) or a chaperone.

Athletes selected for testing are required to report to the DCS immediately after notification. However, they also have the right to request a delay for valid reasons.

Valid reasons for delaying arrival at the Doping Control Station include:

1.      Attending a medal ceremony

2.      Speaking to the media

3.      Receiving necessary medical treatment

4.      Cooling down or stretching

5.      Completing a training session

6.      Locating an identification document

7.      Locating a representative

Rights and responsibilities of the athlete during sample collection process

During notification, the Doping Control Officer will inform athletes of their rights and responsibilities.

Athlete’s Rights

The athlete has the right to:

• have a representative present and, if available, an interpreter • request additional information about the sample collection process • request a delay in reporting to the Doping Control Station for valid reasons, as determined by the Doping Control Officer • request modifications to the procedure, where applicable, if the athlete has an impairment • ask to see the Doping Control Officer’s identification • record any comments or concerns on the Doping Control Form (DCF)

Athlete’s Responsibilities

The athlete is responsible for:

• remaining under the direct observation of the Doping Control Officer or chaperone at all times, from the moment of first contact with the Doping Control Officer or chaperone until the sample collection procedure is completed • providing appropriate identification • complying with the sample collection procedure; failure to do so may result in an anti-doping rule violation • reporting for sample collection immediately after notification, unless there are valid reasons for a delay

Athletes are not permitted to smoke or consume alcohol in the doping control station.

If an athlete is selected for testing, the DCO will ask athletes to sign to confirm that they have received notification. It is important to remember that refusing to be tested may lead to a sanction in the same way as a positive doping test.

Once the athlete receives notification, they are required to report to the Doping Control Station as soon as possible.

When the athlete is ready to provide a sample, they will choose one collection vessel from a selection of three or more sterile vessels sealed in plastic packaging. The athlete should make sure that the vessel has not been previously opened or damaged.

A DCO of the same gender as the athlete must directly observe the athlete while they provide the sample. If an athlete is unable to provide the required volume of urine on the first attempt, their sample will be securely sealed until they are ready to try again.

Once the athlete has provided a sufficient volume of urine, at least 90 ml, the Doping Control Officer will ask them to choose one of three or more sealed doping control kits marked with a number. The kit contains two bottles, A and B. The athlete should check the number on the kit box and on the bottles. The numbers must match.

The sample is poured into the B bottle, at least 30 ml, and the A bottle, at least 60 ml. The bottles are then sealed and checked to make sure they are properly closed. It is important to remember that the athlete is the only person who handles their sample.

After sealing the bottles, the athlete will be asked to place them in plastic bags and return them to the cardboard box. The remaining urine in the collection vessel will be used by a DCO to measure the specific gravity of the urine. If the sample is found to be unsuitable for analysis, meaning that it is too diluted, the athlete must provide another sample.

On the form, the athlete lists all medications and supplements they have taken in the seven days before doping control. If an athlete has an approved Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE), they should ask the Doping Control Officer to note this on the form.

The athlete should carefully check all information on the Doping Control Form and make sure it is correct and accurate. If the athlete has any comments or concerns about the procedure, they should record them on the form. After signing the form, the athlete will receive their own copy.           

An athlete selected to provide a venous blood sample during doping control, after physical activity such as competition or training, must wait 60 minutes before providing the blood sample.

For ten minutes before sample collection, the athlete must remain seated with their feet on the floor, without any physical activity.

Once the athlete has selected a blood sample collection kit, the athlete and the Doping Control Officer check that the kit numbers match. The Blood Collection Officer (BCO), a person qualified to collect blood samples, disinfects the puncture site before venepuncture. The blood sample is collected from a superficial vein, as painlessly as possible. During blood sample collection, the athlete sits on a chair.

The volume of blood collected must be sufficient for the required analyses. If the volume of blood collected on the first attempt is too small, blood sample collection is repeated. A maximum of three attempts is permitted.

The athlete should record on the Doping Control Form all medications and supplements taken in the previous seven days, as well as any blood transfusions received in the previous three months.

If a blood sample is collected from the athlete, an additional form must be completed alongside a Doping Control Form. This additional form is completed to support the proper interpretation of the haematological results from the collected sample.

The athlete places the blood tubes into the appropriate blood sample collection kits, in which they will be sent to the laboratory under special transport conditions.

DBS, or dried blood spot testing, is a newer testing method.

DBS is a method used to collect a few drops of blood from an athlete’s fingertip or upper arm.

This method was developed following research conducted by WADA and other anti-doping organizations, with the aim of developing a new testing method that is easier and faster, and that helps reduce athlete discomfort during the blood sample collection process.

DBS sample collection process

The athlete selects the sample collection kit and equipment.

A DCO trained in capillary blood sample collection collects the sample.

The drops of blood are collected in a device, which is then placed in secure packaging and sent to a WADA-accredited laboratory.

Note: An athlete may be selected for urine, blood and/or dried blood spot during doping control.

Urine and blood sample collection remain important methods and, in some cases, the only methods for detecting certain prohibited substances.

There are different manufacturers of sample collection kits. Each brand of kit has the same function but may look slightly different. You may be tested using different types of equipment at different events during your career.

Collected urine and/or blood samples are sent to a WADA-accredited laboratory for further analysis. ADAS sends its samples to the Seibersdorf laboratory, located in Vienna.

During each procedure, samples are divided into two bottles. The A bottle is tested when it arrives at the laboratory, while the B bottle is stored.

If an athlete is notified of an Adverse Analytical Finding, meaning a positive test for prohibited substances, they have the right to request analysis of the B sample.

If the B sample does not confirm the result of the A sample, the athlete will not be charged with an anti-doping rule violation. If the analysis of the B sample confirms the Adverse Analytical Finding of the A sample, the athlete may be charged with an anti-doping rule violation.

An Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) is a method of monitoring selected biological variables of an athlete over time, which may reveal the use of doping.

The Athlete Biological Passport involves monitoring the results of multiple blood and/or urine tests from the athlete over time. These data are used to establish normal ranges of biological variables for each individual athlete.

If an athlete’s sample shows biological variables that are far outside the defined ranges for that individual athlete, this may indicate doping, meaning that the athlete’s normal blood or urine profile may have been altered by a substance or method.

The ABP is a tool that complements traditional urine and blood sample collection in order to detect the use of prohibited substances and methods in sport.

An athlete who is a citizen of the Republic of Serbia may be tested in the territory of the Republic of Serbia by:

1.      ADAS Doping Control Officers

2.      Doping Control Officers of the international federation responsible for the sport in which the athlete competes

ADAS DCOs have official identification documents, which they present during doping control.

Doping Control Officers of an international federation must have authorization to conduct doping control, including official Doping Control Officer identification documents and a testing authorization/order.