The regulation of threshold levels for prohibited substances in the world anti-doping program

Abstract

Technological advancements in the equipment and laboratories used by anti-doping bodies means that minute levels of prohibited substances can be detected in an athlete's blood or urine. This had led to an increase in athletes testing positive for prohibited substances where the quantity of that substance in the athlete's sample is very low. This article will consider the role that decision limits and minimum reporting levels play with respect to prohibited substances identified in the World Anti-Doping Program. Recent CAS awards are analyzed to determine whether, and how, the issue of threshold requirements for prohibited substances should be further regulated.