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WADA publishes updated Technical Document for Erythropoietin and revisions to two Technical Letters

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Further to decisions taken by the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA’s) Executive Committee (ExCo) when they met on 11 March 2024, WADA is pleased to publish:  

TD2024EPO 

The ExCo approved the updated TD2024EPO, which replaces the current TD2022EPO and will enter into effect on 15 June 2024. The TD2024EPO is related to the analysis of Erythropoietin (EPO) and other EPO-receptor antagonists (ERAs), as well as Transforming Growth Factor-Beta (TGFb) Signaling Inhibitors, by WADA-accredited laboratories (Laboratories).  

The TD2024EPO has been revised to improve the formatting, structure, and clarity of pre-analytical, analytical and reporting requirements for ERA findings based on PolyAcrylamide Gel-Electrophoretic (PAGE) Analytical Methods. In addition, a new Article 5.0 has been included describing the requirements for the analysis of TGFβ signaling inhibitors, with reference to published studies on the application of PAGE and other test methods (capillary immunoassays, LC-MS). The TD2024EPO also includes important modifications to the second opinion review process for ERA findings (Annex A), as well as updates to the procedure of management of Variant EPO (VAR-EPO) cases (Annex C). 

All Laboratories shall apply the requirements established in this TD in the routine performance of PAGE Analytical Methods to identify ERAs in urine or blood [(plasma/serum/dried blood spot (DBS)] Samples by 15 June 2024. 

TL23 and TL24 

The ExCo also approved modifications to the TL23 and TL24, which will enter into effect on 1 April 2024.   

TL23 version 2.0 deals with substances that may be used as growth promoters for livestock in some countries and, therefore, may be associated with findings resulting from the consumption of contaminated meat.  In the update, WADA wishes to draw the attention of Laboratories and Anti-Doping Organizations (ADOs) in charge of Results Management to the specific analytes of clenbuterol, zilpaterol, ractopamine, and zeranol to which the Minimum Reporting Level (MRL) of 5 ng/mL shall be applied for reporting an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) or an Atypical Finding (ATF).  

Similarly, in the revised TL24 version 3.0, which deals with certain diuretics that are known contaminants of pharmaceutical products, WADA wishes to draw the attention of Laboratories and ADOs in charge of Results Management that the MRL of 20 ng/mL established for acetazolamide, bumetanide, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, torasemide and triamterene shall be applied to the concentration of the unmodified, free form parent compound only, without considering contributions from any metabolite or degradation product.

In addition, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has been added to the list of sports with weight classes in Annex 1.  

Background 

Under the International Standard for Laboratories (ISL), WADA’s TDs and TLs are issued to provide direction to WADA-accredited laboratories, WADA-approved laboratories for the Athlete Biological Passport and other stakeholders on specific technical or procedural issues. As part of WADA’s mandate to enhance anti-doping activities under the World Anti-Doping Code, TDs and TLs undergo periodic revisions to reflect scientific and technological advances in the performance of anti-doping analyses and the reporting of analytical results. They are refined and revised in consultation with WADA stakeholders.  

WADA’s TD index and TL index are available on WADA’s website.  

Should you have any questions regarding the above, we invite you to contact WADA’s Science Department at: science@wada-ama.org.