Sochi Laboratory ran sophisticated doping sample swapping system


The WADA investigation of Sochi allegations has shown that a sophisticated doping sample swapping system was in place prior to and during the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi in 2014.

 

According to the report released on July 18 the unique Sochi Laboratory sample swapping involved the Ministry of Sport, FSB, CSP, and the Moscow Laboratory. A pre-selected group of Russian athletes competing at Sochi were protected by the Sochi sample swapping methodology. The Laboratory analytical analysis has established that some samples had salt levels in excess of what can be found in a healthy human urine analysis, thereby confirming interview evidence that salt had been added. Every sample bottle the IP investigation team examined revealed evidence of tampering consistent with the caps being removed and reused. The DNA analysis confirmed 3 samples where the DNA did not match that of the athlete. The independent investigation do not know the precise method used by the FSB to open the Sochi sample bottles. The IP experts conclusively established that the caps can be removed and reused later.

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