A surge in positive tests

MONTREAL: The World Anti-Doping Agency said Thursday the number of positive tests uncovered by its labs and testing facilities worldwide in 2015 increased to 3,809.

The figure represents 1.3 per cent of the 303,369 total samples analysed, compared with 2014 when it discovered 3,153 Adverse Analytical Findings (AAF), or positive tests, WADA said in a statement.

There was also a 7.1 per cent increase in the number of overall samples analysed, to 303,369 in 2015 from 283,304 the prior year.

“The findings highlight an increase in the number of samples analysed and an increase in the number of Adverse Analytical Findings reported,” said WADA president Sir Craig Reedie.

Reedie said anti-doping organisations around the world are attempting to snare would-be drug cheats by significantly increasing testing for banned substances such as growth hormone, growth hormone-releasing factors and erythropoiesis stimulating agents.

“Testing is a critical tool in anti-doping organisations’ commitment to working towards fair competition and clean sport,” he said.

In 2015, testing facilities also collected more blood samples from the overall samples, 21,176 compared with 13,553 in 2014.

“The 2015 Testing Figures Report provides powerful data that will help anti-doping organisations, including WADA, gain a better understanding of testing patterns and existing gaps, and adapt their anti-doping strategies,” Reedie said.

Reedie said the report was based on data and analysis from 403 testing authorities and 35 WADA-accredited laboratories. AFP