What Happens in a Test (Doping Control)
UKAD Guidance:
Athletes can be tested any time, any place.
We test to deter those vulnerable to a doping decision and to find those who chose to cheat by using banned substances.
Testing can take place in-competition at events, or out-of-competition, in training venues, or even at an athlete’s home.
Testing is intelligence-led and risk-based, and it will always be conducted with ‘no advanced notice’.
Here is an outline of the Testing Process for a Providing a Sample:
- Selection: an athlete is selected for doping control.
- Notification: Doping Control Personnel (DCP) will notify you to say you have been selected for testing and will show you their identification. You will be told what samples are being collected and you will be told your rights and responsibilities. You will be asked to show your identification and then you need to sign the Doping Control Form to confirm you have been notified.
- Reporting: you will then be chaperoned (observed at all times) as you make your way to the Doping Control Station (DCS). This is where the testing will take place. You should report immediately to the DCS unless you request a delay for a permitted reason.
- Selecting Sample Collection Equipment: you should be given a choice of sample collection kits. Make sure the kit you select is sealed and has not been tampered with. This is important.
- Providing a Urine Sample: when ready, you will be asked to wash your hands or wear gloves and then to provide your sample. The DCP, who will be of the same gender as you, will directly observe you providing your sample. The DCP must have a clear view of the middle of your body, hands and forearms. The DCP will instruct you to move clothing that restricts this view. You will need to provide a minimum of 90ml of urine. This may be done on more than one occasion until you reach the required amount.
- Splitting the Sample (Urine only): Once you have 90ml or more, the DCO will ask you to split the sample between the A and B bottles, starting with the B bottle first.
- Providing a Blood Sample: For venous blood samples, the Blood Collection Officer (BCO) - a qualified phlebotomist - will collect the blood sample from you.
- Sealing the Sample: once your samples are in the A & B bottles you will be asked to seal them. Make sure you check and recheck that the tamper-evident bottle lids are securely fastened. Again, you will be given a choice of A and B bottles and you should ensure these have not been tampered with. You should also check that the code on the bottles and lids match each other as well as the stickers and box.
- Checking the Sample’s Concentration (Specific Gravity, Urine only): for the lab to be able to analyse your sample it needs to be of a specific concentration. The DCO will test your sample to make sure it is within range. Should your sample not be in range, you will be asked to provide another sample.
- Verifying the Sample: you will need to complete the Doping Control Form and sign it to complete the process. You will be asked to add any medications and/or supplements you have taken within the last seven days and if you consent to your sample being used for research purposes. Make sure you receive your copy of the Doping Control form which you should keep.
Finally, don’t forget that your samples will be sent to a WADA Accredited Lab for analysis. Your A sample will be analysed, and your B sample will be stored securely. Samples can be stored for up to 10 years.
BTC Guidance:
Guidance for UKAD Attendance to a BTC Member Organisation Event
WADA International Standard specific to Athlete Notification and Sample Collection
WADA International Standard for Sample Collection (full document)
Athlete Consent Form
Parental Consent Form
BTC Event Registration Form
Know Where to Look for Support and Advice
Please do not hesitate to ask questions about the anti-doping rules. As well as asking British Taekwondo Council, coaches and athlete support personnel, you may also contact UKAD directly, who will be able to answer any questions and provide guidance.
