//Venous Blood
🩸
Venous Blood Collection
Athletes may be selected for blood sample collection in-competition or out-of-competition. The process is conducted professionally to protect athlete welfare and the integrity of clean sport. Athlete-friendly guide
Why blood samples may be collected
- To support effective anti-doping programmes and deter doping.
- To detect prohibited substances and/or methods where blood analysis is relevant.
- To contribute to sport integrity through risk-based and intelligence-led testing.
What you should expect
- You will be notified by Doping Control Personnel and shown official identification.
- You will be informed of your rights and responsibilities and what type of sample(s) are being collected.
- Blood will be collected by trained personnel using sterile equipment and appropriate procedures.
Your rights
- To be properly notified and informed about the procedure.
- To request a representative and/or interpreter where available.
- To ask questions and request additional information about the process.
- To receive a copy/record of the Doping Control Form (paper or secure digital device).
Your responsibilities
- To remain under appropriate observation/supervision from notification until completion.
- To comply with sample collection procedures and instructions.
- To provide valid identification when requested.
- To verify details on the Doping Control Form before signing.
After your sample is collected
- Your sample will be securely transported for analysis in accordance with anti-doping standards.
- Where applicable, samples may be stored for long-term re-analysis under the World Anti-Doping Code framework.
- If you have concerns, keep your copy/record of the Doping Control Form.
Quick FAQs
Can I be tested anywhere?
Yes. Testing may occur in-competition or out-of-competition, including at training venues or other locations, in line with anti-doping requirements.
Do I have to sign anything?
You will be asked to complete and sign the Doping Control Form (paper or secure digital device) to confirm the details of the process.
Who collects the blood sample?
Venous blood collection is performed by trained personnel using sterile equipment and appropriate procedures.
For questions, please contact ADAMAS via the Contact Us page.
Blood Collection Process
STEP 1: ATHLETE SELECTION
- In-Competition-Testing (IC), random selection of athletes and/or athletes who become champions in the single or multi event.
- Out-Of-Competition-Testing (OOCT), athletes can be selected to undergo sampling anytime and anywhere without prior notification.
STEP 2: NOTIFICATION
- The Doping Control Officer (DCO) or Chaperone will inform the Athlete about the selection of doping for the blood samples.
- Athlete are required to show a photo or athlete identity card to confirm the Athlete’s identity.
- The DCO or Chaperone will inform the athlete to sign the Doping Control
Notification form confirming that Athlete have been notified for doping control.
STEP 3: REPORTING TO THE DOPING CONTROL STATION (DCS)
- Athlete are required to report immediately to the Doping Control Station (DCS).
- Athlete can request a delay in reporting with clear and valid reason.
- The DCO and Chaperone will provide information regarding the right and
responsibility of the athlete and they will accompany the athlete from the time of
notification until the completion of the sample collection process.
STEP 4: SELECTION OF A COLLECTION KIT
- Athlete are given 1 of the 3 choices of Sample Collection Kit that have been provide and will be individually sealed by Athlete.
- Check that the sealing containers A and B are unbroken and empty. Check that the code numbers on the sealing containers, sealing caps and number labels (8 labels) are identical. Remove the plastic wrap on containers, place the caps upside down on the table and remove the red rings.
- Open the equipment package for sample collection and check the equipment as
instructed.
STEP 5: BLOOD SAMPLE COLLECTION
- Primarily blood samples are taken from your non-dominant arm.
- The blood collection officer will apply a tourniquet to your upper arm, clean the skin at the puncture site and will start drawing blood.
- Once the sample tubes have been filled as required, the blood collection officer
inverts them a few times before placing them in the tube rack. - You should ensure that you or the person accompanying you can see the tubes at all times.
- The blood collection officer places a a pad over the puncture site. Press on the pad for 2–3 minutes.
STEP 6. SEALING THE SAMPLES
- The blood collection officer records a code number on the doping control form.
Check that the code number has been recorded correctly. - Carefully place the tubes containing the blood sample into the sealing containers A and B and close the caps. Do not use too much power to avoid breaking the cap.
- The sample tubes must remain upright at all times.
- After that, the blood collection officer verifies that the containers are sealed
properly
STEP 7: DISPOSING OF THE BLOOD COLLECTION EQUIPMENT
- Tear up any extra code number labels.
- The blood collection officer duly disposes of the used (and any unused) blood
collection equipment and extra code number labels by placing them in the risk
waste container.
STEP 8: COMPLETING, CHECKING AND SIGNING THE DOPING CONTROL FORM
- If you have had any blood transfusions within the past six (6) months, have them recorded in the doping control form.
- If you have also been asked to provide a urine sample, you can go into the waiting area under supervision.
- If you have only been asked to provide a blood sample, or if you have already
provided a urine sample, the doping control form will be completed. In this case
you need to carefully check and sign the doping control form. After that you will
receive your own copy of it. - Avoid undertaking any strenuous exercise or training for the next 30 minutes to
minimize any potential bruising at the puncture site.
STEP 9: SECURING AND TRANSPORTING THE SAMPLE
- Once the samples are placed in a security sealed transit bag they are sent to a WADA accredited laboratory, by secure chain of custody, for analysis. This ensure that every step of processes fully documented and only those authorized to handle the sample do so.
- The copy of the Doping Control Form (DCF) that the laboratory receives does not
contain any information that could identify the athlete.