WADA publishes revised Technical Document for Sport Specific Analysis

tdssa

Today, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) publishes version 7.0 of the Technical Document for Sport Specific Analysis (TDSSA), which was approved by WADA’s Executive Committee (ExCo) on 24 November 2021 and enters into effect on 1 January 2022.

The TDSSA, which was first introduced on 1 January 2015, is a mandatory document under the World Anti-Doping Program that must be implemented by all Anti-Doping Organizations (ADOs). It requires a Minimum Level of Analysis (MLA) for the following prohibited substances, which all ADOs shall apply to the number of tests they plan to conduct on sports and disciplines included in their Test Distribution Plans (TDPs):

  • Erythropoietin receptor agonists (EPOs);
  • Growth Hormone (GH); and
  • Growth Hormone Releasing Factors (GHRFs).

On 27-29 September 2021, WADA’s Strategic Testing Expert Advisory Group (STEAG) met and recommended minor changes/additions for some sports and disciplines following a request from two International Federations, which have been reflected in version 7.0 of the TDSSA. In addition, version 7.0 includes some minor improvements in its text with regards to the TDSSA monitoring tools and the relevant Testing Guides that are available to ADOs.

It should be noted that no new categories of specific analysis are proposed to be added to the TDSSA in 2022; however, the STEAG continues to monitor laboratory capacity and methodology developments, in particular development of the endocrinological module of the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) and Dried Blood Spot (DBS) testing.

For answers to Frequently Asked Questions, please refer to ‘TDSSA Supporting Document-A’ that is available on WADA’s website.

TDSSA monitoring tool in WADA’s ADAMS

ADOs are encouraged to monitor their implementation of the TDSSA MLAs through the monitoring tool in WADA’s Anti-Doping Administration and Management System (ADAMS). This tool helps ADOs to review their TDSSA data in real time, identify any shortfalls, and adjust their testing program accordingly. For more information on this tool, ADOs can refer to either the Reporting Guide to Monitor Testing on WADA’s website or the ADAMS Help Center.

WADA monitors ADO compliance with the TDSSA through WADA’s Compliance Monitoring Program.

Testing Guides

To further support implementation of version 7.0 of the TDSSA, WADA would like to remind ADOs of the Testing Guides for Erythropoietins (EPO) And Agents Affecting Erythropoiesis[1], Growth Hormone (GH) and Growth Hormone Releasing Factors (GHRFs). ADOs are encouraged to consult these Guides to support their testing strategies when applying analysis for these categories of substances within the scope of the TDSSA.

In addition to these Guides, and following a recommendation by the STEAG, a new Testing Guide on Gas Chromatography/Combustion/Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (GC/C/IRMS) is now also available to ADOs. The GC/C/IRMS analysis is a very effective method to detect the exogenous administration of endogenous anabolic agents such as testosterone and therefore the new Guide should prove helpful for ADOs with their testing programs.

Should ADOs have any questions or comments regarding the TDSSA, the monitoring tool or would like to request the latest versions of the above-mentioned Testing Guides, we encourage them to contact WADA’s Testing Department at testing@wada-ama.org

[1] Revised version 3.0 is available to ADOs.