WADA provides updates on the development and implementation of new Athlete Biological Passport features and announces related webinars

Webinars to be held 12 and 19 June 2024 

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) would like to update stakeholders on the development of the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) following the 2023 launch of the Endocrine Module and blood steroid markers in the Steroidal Module, and their collective launch within a new ABP interface in WADA’s Anti-Doping Administration Management System [ADAMS] NextGen.  

To provide further updates and practical information on the new ABP modules, the Agency will be holding two webinars, the first of which will focus on optimizing the use of the ADAMS NextGen ABP interface, including basic setup of accounts and managing of athlete groups for less experienced users (12 June), and the second on practical considerations for the integration of these features into an overall testing strategy for Anti-Doping Organizations (ADOs) (19 June). Registration information is available below. 

Endocrine Module 

The launch of the new Endocrine Module brought with it the ability for the ABP to detect human growth hormone (hGH) and related compounds abuse. This form of detection is able to flag abnormalities below the previous population-based thresholds of the hGH Biomarkers Test and can be used to target samples for further analysis of hGH and ultimately better identify suspicious athletes for further scrutiny. Several ADOs have now taken advantage of this tool in the lead up to the Paris 2024 Games.  

Blood steroid markers in the Steroidal Module 

Complementary to the existing urinary steroid profile, the new blood steroid markers provide a more immediate temporal snapshot of steroid levels prior to metabolism and excretion in urine. The blood steroid profile has helped identify urine samples positive for testosterone which were not flagged by the urine steroid profile. It has also helped identify normal blood steroid profiles in some cases of athletes with long-standing variable urine profiles, allowing ADOs to focus their resources elsewhere. Blood steroid markers have also improved detection of steroid abuse in demographics with known low urinary steroid levels, including females and Asian populations.  

Upcoming Webinars 

To attend the upcoming ABP webinars, please register using the links provided below: 

• 12 June at 10:00 EDT: Optimizing use of the NextGen Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) module in ADAMS. Register here
• 19 June at 10:00 EDT: Practical considerations for maximizing the use of new ABP features. Register here

Should you have any questions regarding the ABP, please contact athletepassport@wada-ama.org. For questions regarding webinar registration, please contact commsupport@wada-ama.org.