Dried Blood
Spot
Dried Blood Spot (DBS) testing is an additional tool that strengthens anti-doping programmes, protects athletes and supports fair competition.
A few drops of capillary blood are collected from a fingertip or the upper arm and deposited onto absorbent support, such as paper. The sample is prepared, sealed and sent to a WADA-accredited laboratory for testing.
Photo: Navy Medicine / Unsplash
A few drops
DBS collection uses a small amount of capillary blood.
Finger or upper arm
The collection site depends on the supplied kit and the officer's assessment.
Absorbent support
The blood is absorbed onto material such as a collection card or a device cartridge.
The finger-prick procedure
This guide explains the collection-card method in ten steps. Authorised personnel carry out the procedure and guide you throughout.
Prepare the kit
Select the equipment and check that it is secure and correctly coded.
- Step 01
Select a DBS kit
Choose a DBS collection kit and check that its plastic seal is intact.
- Step 02
Open the kit
Open the selected kit and take out its contents as instructed.
- Step 03
Check the codes
Check that the code numbers on all relevant kit components match. Tell the officer if there is any discrepancy.
Collect the sample
The fingertip is prepared and a small blood sample is collected onto the card.
- Step 04
Prepare the fingertip
The officer cleans the fingertip, allows the skin to dry and uses a sterile lancet device to make the puncture.
- Step 05
Apply the blood drop
A blood drop is deposited onto the collection card.
- Step 06
Form the sample spots
The blood is absorbed into the card and forms spots on the paper. The officer checks that collection is complete.
- Step 07
Apply pressure
The officer applies pressure to the puncture site, or asks you to do so, for 30–60 seconds or as instructed. A dressing is then applied.
Seal and document
Prepare the card for packaging, secure the sample and check the collection record.
- Step 08
Close the collection card
The collection card is closed or prepared for packaging according to the kit instructions.
- Step 09
Seal the sample
The sample is secured in the supplied tamper-evident kit as directed by the DCO. The officer checks the seal in your view.
- Step 10
Check and sign the form
Review the Doping Control Form. If the information is correct, sign it and keep your copy or digital record.
A sealed sample. A checked record.
Your sample is prepared for secure transport and laboratory testing.
Observe your sample
Remain in the collection area and keep your sample in view until it is sealed.
Keep the record
Check the form, ask about anything unclear and retain your copy or digital record of the collection session.
Laboratory analysis
The sealed DBS sample is sent to a WADA-accredited laboratory for testing.
Please note: Collection follows the applicable World Anti-Doping Code and International Standards. Ask the Doping Control Officer if you need clarification about the kit, procedure or documentation.