01 Notification of selection Doping Control

At an event, during training or at an Out-of-Competition location you will be notified of selection for doping control by a UK Sport Doping Control Officer (DCO) or a Chaperone using a UK Sport Sample Collection Form. They will have identification with them and will also ask you for some form of identification, preferably photo identification.

No-advance notice testing is the notification method for doping control wherever possible. This means that you will not be given any warning before a DCO or Chaperone notifies you of your selection for a test.

Once you have been notified, you must stay in full view of the DCO or Chaperone until your sample has been collected and sealed.

You are entitled and encouraged to nominate a representative to be present throughout the procedure except when you provide a sample. Before arriving at the Doping Control Station, at an event or training session, and with the agreement of the DCO or Chaperone, you may do the following under constant supervision:

• obtain identification
  
  
• receive medical attention if necessary
  
  
• attend a victory ceremony
  
  
• compete in further events
  
  
• warm down / obtain warm clothing
  
  
• fulfil media commitments
  
  
• complete a current training session.

02 Reporting for testing

In the UK, you are required to report to the Doping Control Station as soon as possible and no later than one-hour after notification. 

If you are selected for doping control, you will be expected to provide a sample in spite of any other commitments you may have, for example, to catch a flight or to attend an appointment.

When planning your schedule around an event or training session, allow time for doping control in case you are selected.

At an event, sealed non-alcoholic drinks should be made available by the event organiser in the Doping Control Station. If you choose to consume other drinks you do so at your own risk.

For Out-of-Competition testing, the most suitable facilities in which to conduct the test will be found to ensure that both the privacy of the athlete and the integrity of the process is maintained.

03 Selecting a collection vessel

You will be asked to select a sealed sample collection vessel from a choice of vessels.

The collection vessel should be kept in sight of the DCO and yourself (or your representative) at all times through the entire procedure. The DCO is not allowed to touch any of the equipment used during the testing procedure until the bottles are sealed and may do so only at the request of the athlete.

04 Providing a sample under supervision

You must remove sufficient clothing so that the DCO can directly observe the passing of the urine from the body into the collection vessel. This is necessary to avoid any possibility or suggestion of manipulation to the sample.

• You are required to produce a minimum of 100ml of urine into the collection vessel unless otherwise advised by the DCO.

Partial Sample

• If you are unable to provide the required amount of urine, this sample will be considered a partial sample
  
  
• The partial sample will be sealed in a tamper proof collection vessel and stored securely by the DCO until you can provide the required amount
  
  
• You have the right to be satisfied with the storage arrangements of your partial sample
  
  
• Each time a sample is provided, a new collection vessel must be used.

05 Selecting the sampling kit

You will be asked to select a sealed urine sampling kit (the A and B bottles) from a choice of kits. Check that each kit is stored in tamper proof packaging.

You should check that the security seal is intact, and if there is any evidence of tampering a new urine sampling kit should be selected.

Once satisfied, you (or your representative at your request) should break the security seal and remove the contents of the kit.

NOTE: The sample collection equipment used in other countries may vary slightly but will have been approved by the relevant Anti-Doping Organisation.

06 Dividing and sealing the sample

You will be required to wear gloves when combining partial samples or dividing the samples between two bottles, A and B, and then tightly seal the bottles.

You (or your representative at your request) should check that the two bottles are tightly sealed and that there is no leakage. The DCO may also check that the bottles are securely sealed.

07 Testing the suitability of the sample

Using the residue left in the collection vessel, the DCO will check the acidity and concentration of the sample to ensure it is suitable for analysis. pH measures the acidity/alkalinity of the sample and the specific gravity ensures that the concentration of urine is not too dilute for analysis.

If the pH levels or specific gravity are outside the required range this will be recorded on the Sample Collection Form and, to give further assurance to the integrity of the test, additional samples may be required. All samples collected will go to a WADA accredited laboratory for analysis.

08 Recording and certifying the information

The DCO will record the A and B sample numbers on the Sample Collection Form and you will be invited to check that this information is correct.

You will be invited to declare any medications, substances or supplements that you have taken in the past 7 days and write these on the Sample Collection Form.

The DCO will ask you (and your representative if present) to check all the information on the Sample Collection Form and to sign it to confirm you are satisfied that the information is correct.

The DCO will check and sign the form and will give you a copy of the Sample Collection Form which you should keep for your records.