Today, WADA announced the suspension of the accreditation of the laboratory in Beijing for four months. Earlier in the month, the lab in Moscow was also suspended.
Press Release:
Montreal, 21 April 2016 – The suspension, which takes effect immediately, prohibits the Laboratory from carrying out any WADA-related anti-doping activities including all analyses of urine and blood samples. During the period of suspension, samples are required to be transported securely to another WADA-accredited laboratory.
Pursuant to Article 13.7 of the World Anti-Doping Code (Code), the Laboratory may appeal this decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport within 21 days of receipt of notice.
During the period of suspension, the laboratory is required to take five remedial steps highlighted by the Disciplinary Committee in its recommendation, in addition to addressing non-conformities identified in its External Quality Assessment Scheme (EQAS) program and any other non-conformities identified during WADA site visits during the suspension period. If the Beijing laboratory satisfies the Disciplinary Committee in meeting these requirements, the laboratory may apply for reinstatement prior to the expiry of the four month suspension period.
According to the International Standard for Laboratories (ISL), WADA is responsible for accrediting and re-accrediting anti-doping laboratories, thereby ensuring that they maintain the highest quality standards.
This monitoring process 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.
Press release courtesy of WADA.