Issues of testing for hGH: collection

Urine has limitations as a substrate for anti-doping efforts and within the last decade sports organizations have begun collecting blood samples in cooperation with anti-doping laboratories. Within the US, authorization to perform a blood draw is determined by the scope-of-practice licensure regulations in each state. Blood collection requires equipment not necessary in standard anti-doping urine collections. There is a need for greater privacy and cleanliness than the usual site for urine collection provides. One of the most challenging aspects of a blood collection is complying with the guidelines for specimen transport. In addition to the standard chain-of-custody protocols that collectors must follow for urine, blood samples call for additional handling to ensure they arrive at the anti-doping laboratory in a condition that allows for analysis. While the invasiveness of the process increases liability risk to the collector, following established standards, guidelines and anti-doping protocols will minimize risk. One significant advantage of blood over urine in anti-doping settings is that specimen adulteration or manipulation is nearly impossible. Therefore, for blood-only collections, sports organizations should explore opportunities for collaboration with the American Red Cross or private blood-collection centres/clinics.