WADA suspends India’s National Dope Testing Laboratory

The National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL) in New Delhi has been suspended for up to six months due to non-conformities with the International Standard for Laboratories (ISL).

The suspension prohibits the NDTL from carrying out any anti-doping activities, including all analyses of urine and blood samples. (REPRESENTATIVE IMAGE)

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has suspended the accreditation of the National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL) for a period of up to six months due to non-conformities with the International Standard for Laboratories (ISL).

The flaws, including in relation to the laboratory’s isotope ratio mass spectrometry analytical method as regulated by the relevant technical document, were identified by WADA during a site visit in Delhi.

The disciplinary proceedings were initiated by WADA’s Laboratory Expert Group (LabEG) in May last. The process was subsequently carried out by an independent disciplinary committee as per the procedure.

“The suspension, which took effect on August 20, prohibits the NDTL from carrying out any anti-doping activities, including all analyses of urine and blood samples,” WADA said in a statement on Friday.

“During the period of suspension, samples that have not yet been analysed by the NDTL; samples currently undergoing a confirmation procedure; and any samples for which an adverse analytical finding has been reported, must be securely transported to another WADA-accredited laboratory. This is in order to ensure continued high-quality sample analysis, which also helps preserve athletes’ confidence in this process and the wider anti-doping system.”

NDTL can appeal this decision in the Court of Arbitration for Sport within 21 days of receipt of notice.

During its suspension, NDTL “shall address all non-conformities” in any request for corrective action or otherwise, as well as any additional non-conformities identified during any follow-up WADA site visit.”

 

If NDTL satisfies the LabEG about these requirements, it can apply for reinstatement prior to the expiry of the six-month suspension period. In case it does not address the non-conformities by the end of six months, WADA may extend the suspension for up to an additional six months.

During NDTL’s suspension, National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) will have to collect samples and send them to an overseas WADA-accredited laboratory for testing.