Definition - What does In-Competition Testing mean?
In-competition testing relates to athletes who submit to required urine and/or blood testing prior to and after competition events. The criteria for choosing athletes is based on three categories, including ranking order, random selection, and target control. A doping control officer (DPO) or appointed chaperone notifies and accompanies the athlete to a doping control station to explain procedure, rights, and responsibilities. The DPO or chaperone monitors the athlete closely from point of notification to completion of the examination. The objective is to ensure that the urine and/or blood specimen has not been deliberately tampered with while maintaining integrity from the athlete.
SureHire explains In-Competition Testing
In-competition testing is a standard method performed by National Anti-doping Agency (NADA) organizations conducted at the site of the event. A selected athlete will report for testing at a doping control station following league regulation guidelines associated with their sport. Traditionally, athletes undergo testing after a competition event in compliance with NADA policy standards. However, affiliate anti-doping organizations may require drug testing both preceding a competition with twelve hour advance notice and at the end of competition. For athletes who break a record, it is mandatory to provide a urine sample to rule out all doping substances and methods prior to receiving titles or rewards.
Athletes may also be requested to supply blood samples administered by a trained specialist, or phlebotomist, who is exclusively qualified to remove and handle blood specimens. In-competition testing encompasses blood samples as an adjunct measure in identifying doping substances and methods that enhance athletic performance.
