The Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) is an individual athlete-specific electronic record in which the results of all anti-doping tests conducted under this program are compiled over a period of time.
It is based on the monitoring of selected biological variables over time that indirectly show the effects of doping, as opposed to the traditional detection of doping by means of analyzes.
THE PASSPORT OF EVERY ATHLETE INCLUDES:
The ABP currently includes 2 profiles
THE HEMATOLOGICAL MODULE:
the aim is to detect methods of improving oxygen transport, including the use of erythropoiesis stimulating agents (the whole process of erythrocyte (red blood cell) production in the bone marrow, under the control of erythropoietin or EPO) and all forms of transfusion or blood manipulation.
The hematologic module evaluates variables related to blood manipulation with analysis of the athlete’s blood sample.
THE STEROID MODULE:
the aim is to detect endogenous anabolic androgenic steroids and other anabolic agents, including selective modulators of androgen receptors. The steroid module evaluates the variables related to the use of anabolic steroids by the analysis of the athlete’s urine sample.
Athletes included in the athlete’s biological passport program (both modules) are subject to the following tests:
– blood tests performed in competition, during the period before the tests and out of competition, in order to generate a hematological profile,
– urine tests performed in competition, during the period before the tests and out of competition, in order to generate a steroid profile.
Blood and urine samples can be collected during a competition, during preparation / training periods or during offseason. Athletes may therefore be required to provide blood or urine samples at any time of the year, wherever they are.
The fight against doping is based on several strategies including direct control of athletes, but also evidence gathered in the context of anti-doping rule violations without positive control. By combining these strategies and developing others to respond to emerging threats, the fight against doping becomes more effective. In recent years, doping protocols have been increasingly scientifically planned and have taken advantage of loopholes in traditional protocols.
The ABP completes the traditional doping control process to increase the effectiveness of anti-doping programs.
