Laboratories

Laboratories that analyze doping control samples for sport under the World Anti-Doping Code (Code) must achieve and maintain accreditation from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The International Standard for Laboratories (ISL) and its related Technical Documents specify the criteria that must be met for accreditation and re-accreditation, as well as standards that must be met for the production of valid test results and evidentiary data.

Consult the list of WADA-accredited laboratories

Accreditation Process

WADA accreditation is based upon compliance with the following two sets of standards:

WADA has established close ties with both international and national standard-setting bodies, including the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC), to facilitate the process of assessment of laboratories for compliance with both standards.

Clean sport relies on anti-doping laboratories’ ability to identify and sometimes quantify the substances prohibited in sport as defined by the List of Prohibited Substances and Methods (List).

WADA monitors the performance of accredited anti-doping laboratories through a continuous External Quality Assessment Scheme (EQAS). Participation in the EQAS is mandatory for all WADA-accredited laboratories.

WADA's EQAS allows evaluation of laboratory competency through a continuous assessment of their performance and provides laboratories with opportunities to compare their results, with the aim to enhance harmonization of test results among accredited laboratories. The EQAS also incorporates educational opportunities for accredited laboratories.

For more information on accreditation and EQAS, please consult the ISL, particularly section 4.0 and Annex A.

View the list of WADA-accredited laboratories.

Approved Laboratories for the ABP

WADA endorsed, in 2010, criteria to approve laboratories that are not accredited (e.g., clinical, forensic laboratories) for blood analyses in support of the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP). This complements the network of WADA-accredited laboratories, which may not fully serve the practical development of the ABP, for some regions of the world in particular.

Approval is exclusive to blood analyses conducted in support of the heamatological module of ABP.

Please consult the relevant article of the International Standard for Laboratories (ISL).

View the list of WADA-approved laboratories.