sports medicine research & testing laboratory

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Standard Test

SMRTL tests for a broad range of banned substances using urine and blood. The most common banned substances in sports include:

ANABOLIC ANDRONGENIC STEROIDS — used to build lean muscle and reduce recovery time in athletes, potentially increasing strength, speed and endurance. Examples include testosterone and related compounds, nandrolone and stanozolol.
STIMULANTS — these agents are generally used to increase alertness and decrease reaction time. Examples include ephedrine, amphetamine and modafinil.
DIURETICS AND MASKING AGENTS — used to increase urine production, helping some athletes “make weight” as well as thwart detection of other drugs. Examples include bumetanide, chlorothiazide and metolazone.
HORMONES AND RELATED SUBSTANCES — peptide hormones have a variety of effects. Erythropoietin (EPO) and related substances enhance oxygen carrying capacity by increasing red blood cell (RBC) counts. Human growth hormone (hGH) is often used with steroids to speed recovery and increase strength. Human chorionic gonadatropin (hCG) can be used to “kick start” testosterone production after prolonged steroid use.
BETA-BLOCKERS — used to lower blood pressure, decrease heart rate, and may reduce fine motor tremor. Examples include carvedilol, metoprolol and propranolol.
BETA-2 AGONISTS — used to relax muscles around the airways that tighten during an asthma attack. Examples include salbutamol, salmeterol and terbutaline.
DRUGS OF ABUSE — includes opioids (morphine, heroine, codeine, oxycodone, oxymorphone), cannabinoids (marijuana), stimulants (amphetamine, cocaine), depressants (barbiturates, benzodiazepines) and hallucinogens (LSD, PCP).

The test panels used by individual sports authorities vary with the type of competition and drug policy. For example, the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) conducts In-Competition and Out-of-Competition testing to detect banned substances in athletes under the WADA Code. The professional sports leagues, colleges and high schools use test panels customized to their individual anti-doping policies. For example, the NCAA oversees its own Championships and Year Round drug testing program administered by the National Center for Drug Free Sport.

Specialty Tests

SMRTL’s uses specialized techniques for detecting substances not readily detected through the standard testing process. The lab’s specialty tests include:

ISOTOPE RATIO MASS SPECTROMETRY (IRMS) ANALYSIS — detects doping with naturally-occurring steroids (such as testosterone) that are pharmaceutically produced.
ERYTHROPOIETIN (EPO) ANALYSIS — detects doping with EPO by athletes. Blood Passport analysis— detects unusual changes in athletes’ blood parameters over time as an indicator of doping.
HUMAN GROWGH HORMONE (HGH) ANALYSIS — detects doping with hGH by athletes.

Please reference your individual program’s testing requirements to determine appropriate testing or contact SMRTL for consultative services.

World Anti-Doping Association’s list of prohibited substances View List »