Athlete Biological Passport and Blood Testing
The IAAF has begun using blood sampling and the Athlete Biological Passport ("ABP") as an indirect detection method consisting of measuring and monitoring selected biological markers, whose abnormal variations could be indicative of a doping practice. Athletes were tested at the IAAF World Championships in Daegu with the goal of establishing the participants’ full ABP baseline. The blood profile information collected can be used as evidence in support of an anti-doping violation.
The Biological Passport is a record of biological markers and testing results collected over a period of time. An anti-doping violation may result from the presence of a prohibited substance or from variances in an individual athlete’s established levels that are outside of permissible limits. The ABP consists of modules: haematological, steroid profile, and endocrine modules. If your haemoglobin or hematocrite are inconsistent with established parameters, this could be used as evidence that you have used a prohibited substance or method.
There is a Blood Testing Protocol published by the IAAF at www.iaaf.org/antidoping/newsid=58918.html
You should be aware of this program and how it might impact you. It is part of the future of athlete testing and anti-doping policy. The testing science is always advancing in an attempt to keep up with those who choose to use performance enhancing substances and methods.