WADA imposes analytical testing restriction on the Bloemfontein Laboratory

Effective 5 September 2023 and for a period of up to six months, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has imposed an analytical testing restriction (ATR) on the anti-doping laboratory in Bloemfontein, South Africa, as it relates specifically to the Gas Chromatography / Combustion / Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (GC/C/IRMS) analytical method.

On 14 July 2023, WADA received a recommendation from its Laboratory Expert Advisory Group (Lab EAG) to impose this ATR for non-compliance with the International Standard for Laboratories (ISL). On 25 July, WADA provided a notice to the laboratory giving it an opportunity to respond to the recommendation or accept the ATR and related conditions. On 30 August, the laboratory notified WADA that it accepted the ATR and conditions, which were confirmed by the Chair of the WADA Executive Committee on 5 September. 

During the ATR, the Bloemfontein Laboratory can continue carrying out its regular anti-doping activities, as per the ISL. However, all routine samples that require GC/C/IRMS analysis shall be securely transported with a demonstrable chain of custody for GC/C/IRMS analysis to another WADA-accredited laboratory. 

According to the ISL, WADA is responsible for accrediting and re-accrediting anti-doping laboratories, thereby ensuring that they maintain the highest quality standards. This monitoring process is conducted in conjunction with International Organization for Standardization (ISO) assessment by independent national accreditation bodies that are full members of the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) and signatories to the ILAC Mutual Recognition Arrangement (ILAC MRA).