Detecting and Testing

What are the different methods of drug testing?
The best and most comprehensive drug test is a urine sample but there is also blood tests because it shows changes in the levels of red blood cell count. When ASADA is target testing, you are given a notice form to fill out stating that you agree to having the testing. When you get to anti- doping control, you have to fill out another form with all your medical conditions and things like if you have had any vitamins or medications (such as antibiotics) during the day. This section is sent to the lab but all the personal information is sent to ASADA for filing. After the sample or either urine or blood (or both) is taken, the sample it sent to the lab. At the lab, there are many ways to test for illicit substances. The procedure that is explained below uses ultraviolet light.


The structure of a caffeine molecule
  
The separated layers
of fluid in the separatory
funnel
As an example: A sample of an athlete’s urine has just arrived at the lab and an analytical chemist wants to test the sample for caffeine. Caffeine is an organic molecule containing a number of double bonds in its structure which means it should absorb ultraviolet light .The chemist would measure 5ml of urine, 10ml of distilled water, 1ml of sodium carbonate and 20ml of dichloromethane and pour them into a 100ml separatory funnel. The layers of fluid would then separate, with the dichloromethane sitting at the bottom. The chemist would shake the funnel to encourage the caffeine to go into the dichloromethane layer. When the layers have separated, the dichloromethane layer would be emptied into a volumetric flask. Then, the extracted caffeine is taken to a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. After a base level is set, the sample is tested against the base level. From this test, the concentration of caffeine per 5ml of drink is produced in a graph form. Then the extracted caffeine sample is put through a total spec machine and the atomic mass is shown.The atomic mass helps identify what the substance is.
When is the best time to test for drugs?
Athletes can be tested at anytime and anyplace.
Example: You are looking to compete at the Olympic games next year. ASADA will look at your training program to see if there is a period of heavy training where they are looking to increase their performance. ASADA ‘s science department in Canberra would then look at your program and pick a period of time to test you.

Junior elite swimmers at training

What is the purpose/ process of random testing?
Athletes can be either target tested or randomly tested. The purpose of random testing is the fact that there is no notice before hand. ASADA could turn up at your training at 5am and test you!

An athlete holding a urine sample

How effective are the tests?
ASADA is the national testing body within Australia. They are the most effective and comprehensive when testing in sport within Australia.

Is there ever inconclusive data?
Yes, there can sometimes be inconclusive data. Sometimes, the bottles aren’t sealed properly and there is leakage or the sample is contaminated due to environmental factors. Something may happen during transit or the lab may have started the wrong procedure on the samples. But these situations are very unlikely as the bottles are heavily protected.
The ASADA sample collecting
kit
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