Scientific Panel Reaffirms Blood-Urine EPO Test

A panel of scientific experts was called together last week by the International Olympic Committee Medical Commission to review the criteria for detecting the presence of recombinant or “artificial” erythropoetin (“rhEPO”) in the body.

Natural erythropoetin is a hormone produced in the kidneys to control the amount of red blood cells in the blood stream. A substance having the same effect as this  hormone can now be produced artificially and, if used by athletes, can produce a significant increase in performance.

The panel of experts was to review the existing EPO testing regulations and procedures, and conclude on one solution for the federations and governments in the fight against doping in sport.

The group determined that a positive doping result due to the presence of rhEPO in the body could only be confirmed if both blood and urine showed elevated levels of certain indicators, thus confirming a combined blood and urine test.

FISA has always been a leader in the fight against doping, and was the first International Federation to conduct out-of-competition tests back in 1983.

This year, for the first time ever, FISA conducted out of competition anti-doping tests before the 2001 FISA World Rowing Championships to detect the use of rhEPO. Rowers were asked to provide samples of urine and blood. FISA was proud to say that all rowers tested in these unannounced tests were negative for all the prohibited substances including rhEPO.