Dope testing in sports: scientific and medico-legal issues

The paper reviews current issues related to dope testing in sports from the scientific as well as the medico-legal perspectives. The various types of doping, their modes of use and the dangerous consequences of misuse are discussed. It was pointed out that national doping control programmes are essential for the prevention of drug abuse in sports and that proper procedures for sampling and analysis in accredited laboratories are necessary to ensure that justice is done for the competitors and for all others concerned. There was a need for continuous vigilance against drug abuse in sports. Continuous improvement of the dope testing methods, better understanding of the pharmacology of the drugs involved and regular reviews of the banned drugs list are essential to advance the cause of dope control in sports.