Analytics
Analytical proof of the existence of prohibited substances is one of the most important weapons in the fight against doping. According to 
statistics of the WADA-accredited laboratories 2010 (PDF
Size: 171.57 KB), anabolic steroids are by far the most widely used substance, followed by cannabinoids and stimulants.
Doping samples collected by NADA Austria are usually analyzed in the anti-doping laboratory of the Seibersdorf Laboratories. The anti-doping laboratory is one of 35 WADA-accredited laboratories worldwide. In order to be entrusted with such an important task in the fight against doping, a number of certification criteria have to be met:
- Before being accredited as a WADA anti-doping laboratory, a laboratory has to be accredited according to ISO/IEC 17025.
- The laboratory must provide a statement of support issued by one of the following three organizations: national anti-doping agency, national institution in charge of the national anti-doping program, National Olympic Committee, as well as an official statement of support of the organization if the laboratory is part of an organization (university, research center, medical center, etc.).
- The laboratory must sign and comply with the Code of Ethics.
- During the accreditation phase, the laboratory has to successfully demonstrate its capability to analyze samples (at least 4 sets consisting of at least 5 samples each). The final test comprises the scientific know-how as well as the capacity of the laboratory to analyze several samples simultaneously.
- The laboratory has to establish its willingness and capability to exchange information with other WADA-accredited laboratories.
- At least 7% of the annual budget has to be verifiably dedicated to research and development.
- In order to maintain WADA accreditation, the laboratory has to meet the above-mentioned requirements any time an ISO re-accreditation takes place.
In addition:
- Upon WADA's request, evidence of the number of analyzed samples;
- A minimum of 1500 samples must be analyzed per year;
- Evidence of the successful participation in WADA's Proficiency Testing Program;
- Any adverse analytical findings must be reported to WADA and the respective International Federation;
- All reports are subject to confidentiality guidelines;
- Evidence of compliance with the Code of Ethics - annual report to WADA;
- Evidence of an updated 3-year-plan on research in the field of doping control and a budget plan with an annual research budget;
- Documentation of scientific publications in peer-reviewed specialist magazines.
The laboratory at Seibersdorf Laboratories has been accredited for the analysis of doping samples since 2002. As a result, the laboratory is entitled to analyze doping samples collected at national and international sports events and through out-of-competition testing. Each year, Seibersdorf Laboratories carries out up to 6000 tests. Not only samples collected in Austria are taken to Seibersdorf. Meanwhile, the national anti-doping agencies of Slovenia, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia and Serbia are among the laboratory's customers.
How the anti-doping laboratory at Seibersdorf Laboratories got WADA-accredited
From 1999 to 2001, a laboratory for the analysis of doping samples was established in a joint initiative of the Austrian Research Center GmbH - ARC, the one-time Federal Ministry for Public Services and Sport, the Austrian Anti-Doping Committee and the Austrian Olympic Committee. The objective was to be accredited by the IOC.
- Early 1999: necessary renovation;
- 1999-2000: establishment of the analysis methods;
- 06/2000: application for accreditation as anti-doping laboratory with the IOC;
- 11/2000: accreditation according to EN ISO/IEC 17025;
- the accreditation for a number of chemical-analytical procedures obtained in 1996 was the starting point;
- 10/2000-11/2001: analysis of the IOC's four test series; all 40 samples were analyzed without error;
- 01/2002: IOC accreditation for the analysis of doping samples;
- 2004: WADA accreditation for the analysis of doping samples.
Quality management of Seibersdorf Laboratories
The screening analyses are designed in a way that allows detection of potentially positive samples (i.e. those which are very likely to contain a prohibited substance). In a confirmation procedure, these samples are analyzed and measured separately once more. For this confirmation procedure an analysis method is used that is tailored specifically to the suspected substance. This means that a positive sample is always analyzed at least twice.
Simultaneously with the sample, a blank value (only reagents and chemicals), a "clean" urine sample and a positive sample (urine sample with the substance added) are analyzed. If the surface areas and retention periods of the measurement signals obtained from the sample and the positive sample correspond to certain criteria, the existence of a prohibited substance in the urine sample has clearly been proven.
After an athlete has been notified of an adverse analytical finding by his/her sports federation, he/she can request the analysis of the "B" sample, with the athlete being present. He/She can also request the presence of a representative (relative, lawyer). The result of the "B" sample analysis (cross check) is considered final and serves as the basis for any sanctions.
Seibersdorf Laboratories
A - 2444 Seibersdorf
Austria
Phone: (43) 50550 3539
Fax: (43) 50550 3566
E-mail: guenter.gmeiner@arcs.ac.at
http://www.arcs.ac.at
http://www.antidoping.at
List of accredited anti-doping laboratories worldwide
Contact to WADA Accredited Laboratories (PDFSize: 136.14 KB)