Bloem lab's ban extended

NEWS: The World Anti-Doping Agency has extended the suspension of Africa’s only accredited drug-testing laboratory.

WADA, in March, suspended the South African Doping Control Laboratory in Bloemfontein for ‘up to six months’ – due to “multiple non-conformities” with international standards.

That ban has now been extended.

“WADA has further extended the suspension of accreditation imposed on the anti-doping laboratory in Bloemfontein, South Africa, for a second period of up to six months,” the organisation said.

The reasons for the original ban included non-conformities with Technical Documents and the continued Analytical Testing Restriction on the Laboratory’s Gas Chromatography/Combustion/Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry analytical method.

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“Based on the recommendation of the Laboratory Expert Advisory Group, the Chairman of the WADA Executive Committee has confirmed the extension of the Laboratory’s suspension for another six months until March 2025, or until the date that the requirements are met, if earlier.

“The suspension, which took effect on March 1, prohibits the Laboratory from carrying out any anti-doping activities, including analyses of urine and blood samples, except analysis related to the Athlete Biological Passport haematological module.

“The extension was granted based on the Laboratory’s request, which included justifications for the delay, to have sufficient time to address the issues related to the suspension.

“During the extended period of suspension, the Laboratory shall address all non-conformities identified by the Lab EAG or WADA in any request for corrective action or otherwise, as well as any additional non-conformities identified by any follow-up WADA site visit during the suspension period.

“If the Laboratory satisfies the Lab EAG in meeting these requirements, it may apply for reinstatement prior to the expiry of the extended suspension period.”