Evaluating the Early Operational Performance of the Endocrine Module in the Athlete Biological Passport

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Anti-Doping Analytics
• Biotechnology

Background:

• The Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) is crucial for monitoring doping in sports.
• Integrating novel testing modules enhances the ABP's effectiveness.
• The Endocrine Module aims to expand the scope of biological monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the early implementation of the Endocrine Module within ABP programs.
• To identify challenges and opportunities in endocrine profile testing.
• To provide recommendations for the future development of the Endocrine Module and its synergy with other ABP modules.

Main Methods:

• Data-driven evaluation of the Endocrine Module's integration.
• Analysis of the complete ABP sample lifecycle: collection to reporting.
• Integration of testing, analytical, and ABP perspectives.

Main Results:

• Early integration of the Endocrine Module presents specific challenges and opportunities.
• The module's performance is assessed across the entire sample management process.
• Synergies with haematological and steroidal modules were explored.

Conclusions:

• The Endocrine Module shows potential for enhancing ABP programs.
• Recommendations are provided for optimizing endocrine testing and its integration.
• Further development is needed to maximize the module's contribution to anti-doping.