Title: The role of measurement uncertainty in doping analysis

Authors: Elena Spirito, Francesco Botre

Addresses: Laboratorio Antidoping, Federazione Medico Sportiva Italiana, Largo Giulio Onesti 1, 00197 Rome RM, Italy. ' Laboratorio Antidoping, Federazione Medico Sportiva Italiana, Largo Giulio Onesti 1, 00197 Rome RM, Italy

Abstract: The determination of measurement uncertainty is a critical issue in all fields of experimental science; its importance becomes maximal in the specific case of forensic analytical chemistry (including doping analysis), where uncertainty has not only to be calculated with precision, but it also has to be both small and reliable enough to support effective decision making. This contribution gives a general view of the organisation of the activity of the network of the anti-doping laboratories accredited by the World AntiDoping Agency (WADA), focusing in particular on the current situation related to the determination of measurement uncertainty in doping analysis. Representative examples referring to the procedures followed in the case of threshold substances are also presented and discussed.

Keywords: anabolic steroids; doping analysis; nandrolone; norandrosterone; testosterone; testosterone-epitestosterone ratio; measurement uncertainty; drug testing; performance enhancing substances; athletes; anti-doping; performance enhancing drugs.

DOI: 10.1504/IJRAM.2005.007178

International Journal of Risk Assessment and Management, 2005 Vol.5 No.2/3/4, pp.374 - 386

Published online: 02 Jun 2005 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article