SAMPLE COLLECTION PROCEDURES FOR ATHLETES WITH A DISABILITY

SAMPLE COLLECTION PROCEDURES FOR ATHLETES WITH A DISABILITY This leaflet provides a step-by-step guide to the sample collection process for athletes...
Author: Jonah Cross
2 downloads 1 Views 683KB Size
SAMPLE COLLECTION PROCEDURES FOR ATHLETES WITH A DISABILITY

This leaflet provides a step-by-step guide to the sample collection process for athletes with a disability. What is sample collection? Sample collection is when an athlete’s urine and/or blood is collected by a qualified and highly-trained Doping Control Officer (DCO) or Blood Collection Officer (BCO). Sample collection is a part of UK Anti-Doping’s doping control process which ensures athletes compete in clean, doping-free sport. All sample collections by UK Anti-Doping follow an International Standard for Testing (IST). These standards are set out by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). All samples are analysed by a WADA-accredited laboratory. Testing abroad may be slightly different; if you have any concerns with the process record it on the testing paperwork.

Who can be tested? All athletes associated with an National Governing Body (NGB) can be tested at anytime. Athletes competing in an event which is subject to anti-doping rules may also be tested prior, during or after their competition(s).

When can I be tested? You can be tested in-competition and out-of-competition. In-competition testing This refers to testing which is undertaken at a sporting event. For example, after a match or a race. In-competition testing usually starts 12 hours before the event and continues through to the end of the competition or until all tests required have been completed. Out-of-competition testing This refers to tests which are undertaken at any other time, and can be at any location such as your home, training place, or even overseas.

I’m a National Registered Testing Pool (NRTP) athlete. What additional information should I provide? If you are an athlete in the NRTP and are providing whereabouts information, you will be asked to supply UK Anti-Doping with information regarding your disability. Please provide us with as much information as possible to help us with planning the test.

When completing your whereabouts information, you should consider selecting venues and times where it will be easy to find an athlete representative if necessary.

What is the role of an athlete representative? You may wish to have an athlete representative present to help, guide and support you throughout the sample collection process. They can be anyone you choose, such as a coach or other support staff, a family member or friend. If you are under 18 years old your representative must be over the age of 18. You should make your representative aware of the sample collection procedure and of any assistance you may require.

When do I select my athlete representative? You can choose your representative at the time of being notified of your test. During a competition please select your representative carefully as they may need to have competition accreditation. Before any competition it is advisable to inform your representative of the sample collection procedure and their role should they be required. UK Anti-Doping recommend athletes with an intellectual disability have a representative accompanying them throughout the entire process.

The sample collection process

STEP 1 Notification You can be notified for a test at any time. A Doping Control Officer (DCO) or Chaperone will advise you in person. You will be asked to complete the notification process which involves completing a doping control form with the DCO or Chaperone. You must also show photographic identification, such as a passport, driver’s licence or official competition accreditation.

Athletes with a visual impairment You must go through the notification process in the presence of a representative, so they can assist with reading and signing of the doping control form. This cannot be the DCO or Chaperone.

Athletes with a physical disability During the notification process the Chaperone or DCO will discreetly ask how you provide your sample and if you require any assistance. If you are unable to sign the doping control form you will need a representative to do this for you.

Athletes with an intellectual disability You must have a representative over the age of 18 with you during the notification process. This cannot be the DCO or Chaperone.

STEP 2 Reporting Immediately after the notification process you are required to report to the doping control station. There are a number of limited activities that you can carry out under the supervision of a doping control staff member before reporting to the doping control station. These will depend on whether the test is undertaken in-competition or outof-competition. In-competition you may: • receive medical attention if necessary • locate your athlete representative and/or interpreter •o  btain photographic identification • compete in further events • warm down • attend a medal ceremony • fulfil media commitments •m  ake a request for any other exceptional circumstance which you can give an explanation for. Out-of-competition you may: • receive medical attention if necessary • locate your athlete representative and/or interpreter •o  btain photographic identification • finish training •m  ake a request for any other exceptional circumstance which you can give an explanation for.

At the doping control station

STEP 4A

STEP 3

Providing a urine sample

Selecting the sample collection vessel You will be asked to select a sealed sample collection vessel. You should check it is empty, clean and the seal is intact. If you have any doubts ask your representative to assist or choose another sample collection vessel. The sample collection vessel should be kept in sight of the DCO and yourself or your representative at all times throughout the entire procedure. If you require assistance selecting a vessel or opening any of the packaging you are able to seek the assistance of your representative or the DCO.

You will be required to provide a urine sample under direct supervision of a DCO of the same gender. You must retain control of the sample collection equipment. The DCO should not handle the sample collection equipment unless you ask them to. You will be asked to remove enough clothing so that the DCO can directly observe the passing of urine from your body into the sample collection vessel. You need to provide at least 90 millilitres of urine. If you require assistance with providing your sample your representative must do this; it cannot be the DCO.

Dividing the sample You will be offered a choice of sealed sample collection kits which include two bottles marked A and B. Check that the kit has not been tampered with and the bottles are empty, clean and intact. You will then divide your sample between the A and B bottles and tightly seal them. Once the bottles have been sealed, you will be asked to place them in a plastic bag and back into the box of the sample collection kit.

Sealed sample bottles labelled A and B

If you require assistance opening the packaging of the sample collection kits or bottles, or dividing the sample, you are able to seek the assistance of your representative or the DCO.

Checking the sample The DCO will check that the sample is a suitable concentration for analysis at the laboratory. The sample is tested using a piece of equipment called a refractometer. If your urine sample is too dilute it is unsuitable for analysis. The DCO will record this on the doping control form and another sample will be required.

Athletes with a visual impairment You may elect for your representative to be present when providing a sample. However, if you choose not to, the DCO must have a second observer outside the toilet watching them but not you. You must have a representative with you when the sample is divided into the sample bottles.

A refractometer

Athletes with a physical disability The DCO will make large sample collection dishes available to all athletes requiring them to assist during sample collection. The urine will then be decanted from the sample dish into a smaller sample collection vessel. Athletes with a leg bag will be asked to replace it before collecting the sample. If this is not possible, they will be asked to fully drain their existing bag. The DCO will need to observe the entire route of the drainage system and confirm where the catheter enters the body. Athletes using self-catheterisation may use their own catheters to provide the sample. Ideally a new, sealed catheter should be used. The DCO must witness the catheterisation and sample collection.

Athletes with an intellectual disability You may elect for your representative to be present during the sample collection process. The DCO must have a second observer watching them but not you.

STEP 4B

STEP 5

Providing a blood sample

Filling in the paperwork

The Blood Collection Officer (BCO) will assess the most suitable vein for sample collection and will clean the site. They will then unseal the hypodermic needle and insert the needle into the vein. No more than three attempts to find the vein will be made per session.

The DCO will record the A and B sample bottle numbers on the doping control form and you will be invited to check that this information is correct. You will be asked to declare the following on the doping control form: •a  ny medications or supplements taken within the last seven days. •a  ny therapeutic use exemption that you have in place. Finally, you should include any comments you have on the doping control form. If you are not happy with how the procedure was carried out you should state it here. Before signing, check the whole form thoroughly, making sure the information is accurate and correct.

Once the needle is inserted, the BCO will attach the vaccutainers (tubes) and withdraw enough blood to fill the required number. After withdrawing the needle the BCO will place a cotton wool dressing over the puncture site and provide you with a plaster. A small amount of blood may leak from the needle site during or after sample collection. This is not unusual so you should not be alarmed. You or the BCO will place the self-sealing vaccutainers into the storage containers and tightly seal them. Make sure you check for any leakage. The sealed blood sample will be kept in the doping control station at a cool but not freezing temperature prior to sending for analysis.

Collecting a blood sample

You should check that the laboratory’s copy of the doping control form (yellow page) does not include any of your personal details. The DCO will give you a copy of the doping control form, and you should make sure you keep it in a safe place. This completes the sample collection procedure.

Doping Control Staff Doping Control Officers (DCO), Blood Collection Officers (BCO) and Chaperones are trained to conduct sample collection in accordance with the International Standard for Testing.

Athletes with a visual impairment Your representative must read aloud the content of the doping control form and make any entries on your behalf if necessary. You will then both be asked to sign the form.

Athletes with a physical disability If you are not able to complete the required sections on the form or provide a signature, your representative will make these on your behalf and sign the doping control form.

Athletes with an intellectual disability Your representative can explain the content of the doping control form if you require. They should sign the doping control form as a witness to the process.

All doping control staff are continually assessed and have Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) enhanced disclosure checks. When you are advised of your selection to be tested, the advisor will always show their official identification. This document is produced by UK Anti-Doping and is correct at time of going to print, November 2010.

If you require the information in a different format such as large font or audio, please contact UK Anti-Doping UK Anti-Doping E: [email protected] T: +44 020 7766 7350 W: ukad.org.uk REPORT DOPING IN SPORT 0800 032 2332