WADA imposes analytical testing restriction on the Bucharest Laboratory

Effective 1 May 2021 and for a period of up to six months, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has imposed an analytical testing restriction (ATR) on the Romanian Doping Control Laboratory in Bucharest (Bucharest Laboratory) as it relates to the Gas Chromatography / Combustion / Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (GC/C/IRMS) analytical method.

In April 2021, the Bucharest Laboratory voluntarily informed WADA that it would be unable to update its GC/C/IRMS method by the time WADA’s updated Technical Document on IRMS (TD2021IRMS) came into effect on 1 May 2021. As such, in keeping with the International Standard for Laboratories (ISL), the ATR is not being imposed due to any underperformance or specific non-conformity resulting from the application of its GC/C/IRMS procedure. Rather, it is being imposed so the Laboratory can focus its efforts on improving its GC/C/IRMS method in compliance with the new TD2021IRMS requirements.

During the ATR, the Bucharest Laboratory can continue carrying out its regular anti-doping activities, as per the ISL. However, all routine samples that require GC/C/IRMS analysis shall be securely transported with a demonstrable chain of custody for GC/C/IRMS analysis to another WADA-accredited laboratory.

According to the ISL, WADA is responsible for accrediting and re-accrediting anti-doping laboratories, thereby ensuring that they maintain the highest quality standards. This monitoring process is conducted in conjunction with International Organization for Standardization (ISO) assessment by independent national accreditation bodies that are full members of the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) and signatories to the ILAC Mutual Recognition Arrangement (ILAC MRA).