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01-09-2011 | Original Article

Current markers of the Athlete Blood Passport do not flag microdose EPO doping

Authors: Michael Ashenden, Clare E. Gough, Andrew Garnham, Christopher J. Gore, Ken Sharpe

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 9/2011

Abstract

The Athlete Blood Passport is the most recent tool adopted by anti-doping authorities to detect athletes using performance-enhancing drugs such as recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO). This strategy relies on detecting abnormal variations in haematological variables caused by doping, against a background of biological and analytical variability. Ten subjects were given twice weekly intravenous injections of rhEPO for up to 12 weeks. Full blood counts were measured using a Sysmex XE-2100 automated haematology analyser, and total haemoglobin mass via a carbon monoxide rebreathing test. The sensitivity of the passport to flag abnormal deviations in blood values was evaluated using dedicated Athlete Blood Passport software. Our treatment regimen elicited a 10% increase in total haemoglobin mass equivalent to approximately two bags of reinfused blood. The passport software did not flag any subjects as being suspicious of doping whilst they were receiving rhEPO. We conclude that it is possible for athletes to use rhEPO without eliciting abnormal changes in the blood variables currently monitored by the Athlete Blood Passport.

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Title: Current markers of the Athlete Blood Passport do not flag microdose EPO doping
Authors: Michael Ashenden
Clare E. Gough
Andrew Garnham
Christopher J. Gore
Ken Sharpe
Publication date: 01-09-2011
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 9/2011
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-011-1867-6

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Current markers of the Athlete Blood Passport do not flag microdose EPO doping

Abstract

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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