Ensuring high quality in anti-doping laboratories

Abstract

The worldwide network of World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)-accredited anti-doping laboratories plays a fundamental role in supporting the global fight against doping in sport. This role is dependent on the ability to provide accurate, reliable and comparable data in identifying and measuring the presence of prohibited substances and methods. The accredited laboratories participate in WADA's External Quality Assessment Scheme (EQAS) program, which provides the structure to continuously assess and improve laboratory performance in compliance to the requirements of the International Standard for Laboratories and related Technical Documents. The WADA EQAS is comprised of various programs, including a blind EQAS, a double-blind EQAS and an educational EQAS, each with specific goals with regard to monitoring and improving laboratory competence. In this article, the anti-doping rules and processes that govern granting and maintenance of WADA laboratory accreditation, aimed at ensuring a high-quality of laboratory operations within the framework of the global fight against doping in sport, are reviewed.