This archive report was first published on 4 October 2019.
On October 4, 2019, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) revealed its collaboration with several global organizations to develop dried blood-spot testing, a potential 'game-changer' in the fight against performance-enhancing substances.
WADA has signed memoranda of understanding with anti-doping groups from the US, China, Australia, Switzerland, and Japan, as well as the International Olympic Committee (IOC), to research and develop the project.
Established in March 2019, a steering committee oversees the development of accurate tests for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, with the additional goal of considering implementation for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Two working groups have been established: one for sample collection and transport, and the other for storage and analysis.
WADA aims to develop guidelines for an anti-doping blood-spot test program, seeking financial support from stakeholders and partners to develop the project.
"There's a real sense among project participants that DBS could be a game-changer for the anti-doping community," said Dr. Olivier Rabin, WADA senior executive director for sciences and international partnerships.
"It's very encouraging how we are all working together on this project, optimizing time and resources, to validate this new element within the overall anti-doping toolbox," Dr. Rabin added.
DBS testing could deliver an easier method of detection compared to current urine or blood samples, with a smaller volume of blood making sample collection, transport, and storage easier and less expensive.
