How the anti-doping process will work in London 2012

The ITU anti-doping team has announced that the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organizing Committee (LOCOG) revealed the WADA accredited anti-doping laboratory that will operate during these games. LOCOG, the IOC and the ITU are working together to ensure that triathletes are tested in the most efficient and effective manner.

According to their press release, "LOCOG, Glaxo Smithkline (GSK) -lab service- and the laboratory operators of King University in London" welcomed Hugh Robertson, Minister of Sport and Olympics. The service is based in Harlow, Essex.

During the Olympic and Paralympic Games, approximately 6250 samples will be analyzed, up to 400 per day, more than in previous games. The lab, which is the size of seven tennis courts, will be in operation 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Around 1000 LOCOG staff members will work within the framework of this anti-doping process and a team of more than 150 anti-doping scientists will conduct the tests in the laboratory, under the independent direction of Professor David Cowan of the Center for King University Drug Control in London.

The service, provided by the pharmaceutical company GSK, will be operated by anti-doping experts from King University, with the support of scientists from around the world.

The anti-doping process during the London 2012 Olympic Games will leave a legacy of knowledge about operations and processes. In July 2011, GSK signed an agreement with AMAD to share information about its medicines in development, while LOCOG will report on all processes.

What measures will be taken at the Olympic Games?
- Up to 6250 samples will be tested during the Olympic Games - more than in previous ones
- 1000 people will be affected in the anti-doping process during the Games
- 1 in 2 athletes will be tested during the Olympic Games, including each Olympic medalist
- The laboratory will operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games
- Up to 400 samples will be analyzed each day
- The shortest results time will be 24 hours (some tests will require more time)
- The laboratory has a dimension of 4400 square meters - the same as seven tennis courts
- A team of more than 150 anti-doping scientists will carry out the tests during the Games, led by Professor David Cowan of the King University Drug Control Center in London.

more information on http://etu.triathlon.org