Wada suspends Bloemfontein lab's accreditation

The World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) suspended the accreditation of the South African Doping Control Laboratory in Bloemfontein until the end of September due to issues of non-conformity.

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Cape Town – The World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) on Tuesday suspended the accreditation of the South African Doping Control Laboratory in Bloemfontein until the end of September due to issues of non-conformity.

Wada said in a statement that the suspension takes effect immediately and runs until September 30.

The South African Doping Control Laboratory in Bloemfontein is the only Wada-accredited facility in Africa.

According to the World Anti-Doping Code, the lab may appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport within 21 days of receipt of notice.

Wada said: “The suspension, which takes effect immediately, prohibits the Laboratory from carrying out any anti-doping activities, including all analyses of urine and blood samples. During the period of suspension, samples are required to be transported securely to another Wada-accredited laboratory, ensuring that athletes can have full confidence in continued high quality sample analysis and the wider anti-doping system.

“During the period of suspension, the laboratory shall address all non-conformities identified in its External Quality Assessment Scheme (EQAS) program and any other non-conformities identified in the course of Wada site visits during the suspension period. If the laboratory satisfies the Disciplinary Committee in meeting these requirements, the laboratory may apply for reinstatement prior to 30 September.”

According to the International Standard for Laboratories (ISL), Wada is responsible for accrediting and re-accrediting anti-doping laboratories, thereby ensuring that they maintain the highest quality standards.

Whenever a laboratory does not meet ISL requirements, Wada may suspend the laboratory’s accreditation. – African News Agency (ANA)