Lebanese Gymnastics Federation
Doping Control Process
Testing procedures — urine, blood and the Athlete Biological Passport. Any athlete under FIG's jurisdiction may be tested at any time, with no advance notice.
Introduction to Doping Control
The aim of testing is to detect and deter doping amongst athletes and to protect clean athletes. Any athlete under the testing jurisdiction of FIG may be tested at any time, with no advance notice, in- or out-of-competition, and be required to provide a urine or a blood sample.
Athletes can be tested by FIG, NADOs or Major Event Organisers. Certain International Federations and Major Event Organisers delegate part or all of their anti-doping programs to independent organisations like the International Testing Agency (ITA). For more information on FIG's collaboration with the ITA, please visit ita.sport/partners.
What to Expect During the Doping Control Process
The doping control process is clearly defined by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). No matter where and when an athlete is tested, the process should remain the same.
The key steps are listed in the ITA Doping Control resource guide — also available in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish.
The Doping Control Process — Step by Step
Athlete Selection
Athletes may be selected for testing based on their sport, competition results, whereabouts, or at random. Selection is conducted by the anti-doping organisation or their designated testing authority.
Notification
A Doping Control Officer (DCO) or Chaperone notifies the athlete of their selection. The athlete must be shown official identification and a sample collection authority form.
Reporting to the Station
The athlete reports to the Doping Control Station as soon as possible. A limited delay may be requested for valid reasons such as a victory ceremony, medical attention, or warming down.
Sample Collection
For urine, the athlete selects their own collection equipment and provides a minimum 90 ml sample under direct observation. For blood, a trained Blood Collection Officer (BCO) collects the sample.
Sample Sealing
The athlete splits the sample into an A and B bottle, seals them, and checks the kit code numbers on the Doping Control Form (DCF). The athlete checks and confirms all details are correct.
Documentation
The athlete signs the DCF, may record any comments or concerns, and receives a copy. The DCF links the sample code to the athlete — the laboratory only receives the code, never the athlete's name.
Laboratory Analysis
The A-sample is sent to a WADA-accredited laboratory. Results are reported back to the anti-doping organisation. The B-sample remains sealed and stored for potential confirmation analysis.
Result Management
If an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) is reported, the anti-doping organisation notifies the athlete and begins the result management process, including the right to request B-sample analysis.
Educational Video
Watch this ITA guide to understand what happens during a doping control session:
Rights & Responsibilities During Sample Collection
Athlete Rights (click to expand)
- Have a representative accompany them during the process
- Request an interpreter, if one is available
- Ask for the Chaperone's / DCO's identification
- Ask any questions at any time
- Request a delay for a valid reason (victory ceremony, medical attention, warming down)
- Request special assistance or modifications
- Record any comments or concerns on the Doping Control Form
Athlete Responsibilities (click to expand)
- Report for testing immediately if selected
- Show valid identification (usually a government-issued ID)
- Remain in direct sight of the DCO or Chaperone at all times
- Comply with the collection procedure
Sample Types
Urine Sample
The most common form of doping control. Collected under direct observation.
Blood Sample
Used to detect EPO, growth hormone, and blood transfusions. Also feeds the ABP.
ABP Profile
Longitudinal biological data tracked in ADAMS over the athlete's career.
Athlete Biological Passport (ABP)
The Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) was introduced in 2009 and is a pillar method in the detection of doping. It is an individual electronic profile that monitors selected athlete biological variables that indirectly reveal the effects of doping. ABP is integrated directly into ADAMS.
How the ABP works
Rather than testing for a specific prohibited substance, the ABP tracks an athlete's biological markers over time. Unusual variations — even without a positive test for a specific substance — can trigger further investigation. This makes it much harder to micro-dose or use substances that clear the system quickly.
Watch the ITA webinar recording on the Athlete Biological Passport.
Useful Resources