Measures to lift suspension of anti-doping lab

Multiple issues need to be resolved – from testing measures to technical documents – before South Africa’s doping control laboratory has the suspension of its accreditation lifted.

This is according to the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) which, in September last year, imposed an analytical testing restriction (ATR) on the laboratory in Bloemfontein.

This was relating specifically to the gas chromatography combustion isotope ratio mass spectrometry analytical method, which is used to test for prohibited substances in urine samples of athletes.

Wada confirmed on Monday that its accreditation had been suspended “due to multiple nonconformities with the international standard for laboratories”.

These included nonconformities with technical documents and the continued ATR, among others.

“The suspension, which took effect on 1 March, prohibits the laboratory from carrying out any anti-doping activities, including analyses of urine and blood samples, with the exception of analysis related to the athlete biological passport haematological module,” Wada said.

This means the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (Saids) must send its samples to another continent for testing, as the facility in the Free State was the only Wada-accredited laboratory in Africa.

Aside from potential delays in receiving test results, there could also be additional costs involved, as was seemingly the case when the laboratory was previously suspended by Wada in 2016.

In the 2015-16 financial year, Saids spent R6.5 million on doping control and R13.6 million the following year, after the lab was sanctioned.

It remains unclear what additional costs would be involved due to the latest suspension, but potential reprieve has been offered, with Wada saying expeditious measures would be rewarded.

If the laboratory met requirements, it could apply for reinstatement prior to the expiry of the six-month suspension period.

If it didn’t address the nonconformities, however, Wada said the facility could be facing another six-month suspension.