#SayNoToDoping
Sample Collection & Testing Guide
Athletes can be tested any time, anywhere. Testing can take place in-competition, out-of-competition, at training venues or even at an athlete’s home or place of current residence. Testing will be conducted with no advance notice.
Outline of the urine test
- You are selected for doping control.
- A volunteer or Doping Control Officer will notify you, show identification, and explain your rights and responsibilities.
- You report immediately to the doping control station, unless a valid delay is approved.
- You choose a sample collection kit and check that it has not been tampered with.
- An officer of the same gender observes you providing the sample.
- You provide at least 90 ml of urine and split it into the A and B bottles.
- You seal the bottles. Samples go to a WADA-accredited laboratory. The A sample is analysed and the B sample can be stored for up to ten years.
Outline of the blood test
- You are notified of selection and shown the officer’s identification.
- You report to the doping control station unless a valid delay applies.
- You choose and inspect the sample collection kit.
- A Blood Collection Officer draws blood into vials, which become the A and B samples. One vial may be used for the Athlete Biological Passport.
- You seal the samples and complete the doping control form. You receive a copy.
- Samples are sent to a WADA-accredited or WADA-approved laboratory. The laboratory copy of the form is anonymised.
Athlete Biological Passport
The Athlete Biological Passport monitors selected biological variables over time. It helps direct target testing and investigations, and can support an anti-doping rule violation under Article 2.2 of the World Anti-Doping Code.
In-competition testing is done in coordination with organising bodies and federations. These could be:
- Medal finishers
- Randomly selected athletes
A valid delay for testing may include
- A medal ceremony
- Media commitments
- Further competition
- Warm-down
- Medical treatment
- Locating an interpreter
- Another exceptional circumstance that is documented
In-competition
Out-of-competition testing looks for doping during training periods. Tests can happen any time in the year, without notice, whether or not the athlete is at an event. NADA India may test an athlete at any time and place, in line with WADA standards.
A valid delay out of competition can include
- Locating a representative
- Completing a training session
- Necessary medical treatment
- Obtaining photo identification
- Another reasonable circumstance approved by the officer
Out-of-competition
Rights
- To be accompanied by a representative or interpreter
- To hydrate, unless the sample does not meet the required specific gravity
- To request a delay for a valid reason
- To ask for more information about the process
- To request modifications for a disability
- To record any concern about the process
Responsibilities
- Comply with the anti-doping rules, including accurate whereabouts
- Be available for sample collection
- Remain in sight of the official until the procedure is complete
- Report to the doping control station as soon as possible
- Seal the sample and complete the documentation accurately
Athletes with disabilities
To keep testing fair for every athlete, NADA India trains sample collection personnel and allows modifications for athletes with disabilities.
Download Annex A of ISTI 2023Registered Testing Pool
NADA India decides which athletes are in the Registered Testing Pool, in line with WADA’s International Standard for Testing and Investigations. The list is reviewed and updated.
Every athlete in the pool must
- File whereabouts every quarter, in the way ISTI requires
- Keep that information accurate and complete
- Be available for testing at the locations they have filed
Registered Testing Pool
ADAMS & Whereabouts
Athletes in the Registered Testing Pool file whereabouts every quarter in advance. ADAMS is also used for planned and unplanned travel. Clear directions help doping control officers find the athlete, including in rural areas.
Login to ADAMSHow to update whereabouts
Use ADAMS to file a home address, contact details, training and competition schedule, overnight addresses, and regular activities. The Athlete Central app and the ADAMS SMS service can also be used.
Whereabouts failures
Three whereabouts failures in 12 months — a filing failure or a missed test — can be an anti-doping rule violation. A missed test can be recorded if the athlete is not available during the 60-minute slot they filed.
NADA whereabouts contact
WhatsApp only: +91 7042006988
Email: whereabouts.nada@gov.in
Secondary Testing Pool
The Secondary Testing Pool is for athletes under NADA India’s testing authority. It follows WADA’s International Standard for Testing and Investigations. These athletes file whereabouts, but they do not have to give a 60-minute time slot.
Whereabouts they must file
- Current address and contact details
- Overnight accommodation
- Regular activities such as training, work or study
- Competition and travel details
Three filing failures in 12 months can move an athlete into the Registered Testing Pool.
