WADA Strategic Testing Expert Advisory Group explores alternative sample collection programs

From 27-29 September 2021, the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA’s) Strategic Testing Expert Advisory Group held three virtual meetings focused on the following topics:

• An overview of new and existing areas of testing, including the implementation of Dried Blood Spot (DBS) and sample collection best practices for transgender athletes;
• A review and update of the ‘Guidance for Testing during COVID-19 Pandemic’ document which was issued in November 2020;
• A review of the implementation of, and compliance with, the Technical Document for Sports Specific Analysis (TDSSA), including the implementation of the haematological module of the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP); and
• The progress of a feasibility study on alternative sample collection programs.

As a result of these discussions, the ‘Guidance for Testing During COVID-19 Pandemic’ document will be revised before the end of 2021. In addition, a revised version of the TDSSA (version 7) with a small number of minor amendments will be submitted for approval at WADA’s next Executive Committee meeting on 24 November 2021. Upon approval, the revised version of the TDSSA will be circulated to all stakeholders and will come into effect on 1 January 2022. The feasibility study on alternative sample collection programs has progressed well; however, it requires further work due to a number of questions that were raised from the preliminary findings.

In the interest of providing insight to stakeholders regarding the matters covered during these meetings, we are pleased to share a Summary of Outcomes.

Should you have any questions or comments regarding the work of the Strategic Testing Expert Advisory Group, we invite you to contact testing@wada-ama.org.