WADA revokes accreditation of Rio de Janeiro Laboratory

The revocation will enter into force September 25, 2013 and means that the laboratory – which is currently suspended – will no longer be authorized to carry out the testing of doping control samples on behalf of WADA or any testing authority. In the meantime, the suspension remains applicable and LADETEC is therefore ineligible to perform analysis of doping control samples for any testing authority. The decision was taken by WADA’s Executive Committee following a thorough review of the status of the laboratory by WADA’s Disciplinary Panel. WADA suspended the Rio laboratory accreditation on August 8, 2013 before a decision on revocation was taken by the Executive Committee. The laboratory may appeal this decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport within 21 days. It may also choose to reapply for accreditation, and can seek “fast track” process from the Executive Committee. The decision made by WADA’s Executive Committee marks the second time the Rio laboratory has fallen below the required standards set by WADA. The laboratory was also suspended for nine months in January 2012, before being reinstated following a WADA site visit that ensured the proper corrective actions had been implemented. Pursuant to the ISL, WADA is responsible for accrediting and re-accrediting anti-doping laboratories, thereby ensuring that they maintain the highest quality standards. This monitoring role is conducted in conjunction with ISO assessment by independent national accreditation bodies that are full members of the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC). Whenever a laboratory does not meet ISL requirements, WADA may suspend the laboratory’s accreditation. WADA may revoke a laboratory’s accreditation for repeated failures to comply with the ISL and related Technical Documents.