The United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) follow a standardized process for collecting and testing athlete samples to ensure the integrity and reliability of anti-doping measures. The process generally involves the following steps:

1. 1. Athlete Selection: Athletes are selected for testing either at random or based on targeted testing. Targeted testing may be determined by factors such as an athlete’s ranking, suspicious performance patterns, or intelligence received from external sources. Both in-competition and out-of-competition testing can be conducted.
   2. Notification: Once an athlete is selected for testing, a Doping Control Officer (DCO) or a chaperone will notify the athlete in person. The athlete must then report to the designated testing area within a specified time frame, typically one hour. The DCO or chaperone will remain with the athlete until the testing process is complete to ensure the integrity of the sample.
   3. Sample Collection: The athlete is required to provide a urine and/or blood sample, depending on the type of test. A DCO or trained Blood Collection Officer (BCO) will oversee the process.

For urine samples, the athlete will select a sealed collection kit and will be asked to provide a sample under the direct observation of a DCO of the same gender. The athlete must produce a minimum volume of urine, usually 90 milliliters.

For blood samples, the athlete will select a sealed blood collection kit, and a trained BCO will draw the blood sample, typically from a vein in the arm. The amount of blood drawn depends on the analysis being conducted, but it generally ranges between 5 to 10 milliliters.

• Sample Dividing and Sealing: Once the sample is collected, it will be divided into two containers: the “A” sample and the “B” sample. The athlete will seal the samples in tamper-evident bottles and check that the security numbers on the bottles match those on the doping control form.
• Documentation: The athlete, along with the DCO, will complete the doping control form, which includes details such as the athlete’s name, the date and time of sample collection, and any declared medications or supplements. The form will also note any irregularities or concerns raised by the athlete during the testing process. The athlete will receive a copy of the form for their records.
• Sample Transportation: The samples are transported to a WADA-accredited laboratory in secure and anonymous packaging. The laboratory will not receive any information about the athlete’s identity, ensuring that the analysis remains unbiased.
• Sample Analysis: The WADA-accredited laboratory will analyze the “A” sample for the presence of prohibited substances or evidence of doping methods, following strict procedures and guidelines. The analysis can involve a variety of techniques, such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), depending on the substances being tested.
• Results Management: If the “A” sample returns a negative result, the process ends, and the athlete is cleared. However, if the “A” sample returns an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF), the athlete will be notified and has the right to request the analysis of the “B” sample. If the “B” sample confirms the “A” sample findings, the athlete may face disciplinary actions, such as disqualification or suspension.

The collection and testing process for USADA and WADA samples aims to protect the integrity of sports by ensuring that athletes are held accountable for following anti-doping rules. This standardized procedure allows for the accurate, unbiased, and confidential detection of prohibited substances and methods in athletes’ samples. Mistakes can happen.

When an athlete receives an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) or is charged with an anti-doping rule violation (ADRV) based on WADA/USADA testing, they have the right to appeal the decision. The appeals process involves several steps, ensuring that the athlete is given a fair opportunity to contest the charges:

1. Notification and Provisional Suspension: Upon receiving an AAF or ADRV, the athlete is notified by the relevant anti-doping organization (ADO), such as USADA. The notification typically contains information about the alleged violation, the athlete’s rights, and the potential consequences. In some cases, a provisional suspension may be imposed on the athlete, preventing them from participating in competitions during the appeals process.
2. Request for a “B” Sample Analysis: If the AAF is based on a positive “A” sample result, the athlete has the right to request the analysis of the “B” sample. The “B” sample analysis is conducted at a WADA-accredited laboratory, often with the athlete and/or their representative present. If the “B” sample analysis does not confirm the “A” sample result, the case may be dropped, and the athlete is cleared.
3. Response and Hearing: If the “B” sample confirms the “A” sample result or if the violation is based on a non-analytical ADRV, the athlete has the opportunity to respond to the charges and present their case. A hearing is typically scheduled before an independent panel or tribunal, which may be organized by the athlete’s National Anti-Doping Organization (NADO), International Federation (IF), or another relevant body.

During the hearing, the athlete and the ADO present evidence, call witnesses, and make arguments before the panel. The athlete has the right to be represented by legal counsel during the hearing. After considering the evidence and arguments, the panel issues a decision, which may include sanctions, such as disqualification or suspension, if the athlete is found to have committed an ADRV.

• Appeals Process: If the athlete disagrees with the panel’s decision, they have the right to appeal. The relevant body for the appeal depends on the athlete’s sport and jurisdiction:
• International-Level Athletes: Appeals can be made to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), an independent institution that specializes in resolving sports-related disputes.
• National-Level Athletes: Appeals can be made to a national appeals body, such as an independent anti-doping appeals panel, or directly to the CAS, depending on the rules of the athlete’s NADO or IF.

The appeals process typically involves a review of the case, including the evidence and the initial panel’s decision, and may also include a new hearing. After considering the case, the appeals body issues a final decision, which may uphold, modify, or overturn the initial sanctions.

• Further Appeal: In some cases, athletes may have the right to pursue further appeals, such as appealing a CAS decision to the Swiss Federal Tribunal. However, this is generally limited to procedural issues or violations of fundamental rights, rather than a review of the merits of the case.

This is the appeals process for WADA/USADA positive test results. It aims to ensure that athletes are given a fair and transparent opportunity to contest AAFs or ADRVs.