The aim of testing is to protect clean athletes through the detection and deterrence of doping.

As there is little known benefit from doping outside the competition arena, athletes competing in bridge are only tested in competition and thus are not required to provide whereabouts information. Their records are held in ADAMS with details of TUEs requested / granted, tests undertaken and any Anti-Doping Rule Violations found.

For the same reason, blood testing is not undertaken by the WBF, although the athletes records are overseen by a WADA accredited Athlete Passport Management Units (APMU) and reviewed by the WBF.

Sample Collection Process

1.  Athlete Selection: An athlete can be selected for testing at any time and any place.
2. Notification: A Doping Control Officer (DCO) or chaperone will notify the athlete of their selection and outline their rights and responsibilities.
3. Reporting to the Doping Control Station: The athlete should report to the doping control station immediately after being notified. The DCO may allow a delay in reporting for a valid reason.
4. Sample Collection Equipment: The athlete is given a choice of individually sealed sample collection vessels and kits to choose from.
5. They must inspect the equipment and verify the sample code numbers.
6. Collecting the sample:

• For a urine sample:
• Providing the sample: The athlete will be asked to provide the sample under the direct observation of a DCO or witnessing chaperone of the same gender.
• Volume: A minimum 90mL is required for urine samples. If the first sample is not 90mL, the athlete may be asked to wait and provide an additional sample.
• Splitting the sample: The athlete will split their sample into A and B bottles.
• Sealing the samples: The athlete will seal the A and B bottles in accordance with the DCO’s instructions.
• Measuring specific gravity: The DCO will measure the specific gravity of the sample to ensure it is not too dilute to analyse. If it is too dilute, the athlete may be asked to provide additional samples.

Completing the Doping Control Form (DCF): The athlete will check and confirm that all of the information is correct, including the sample code number and their declaration of medications and/or products they have used. They will also be asked their consent for the use of the sample for research purposes. They will receive a copy of the DCF and should keep it.

Laboratory Process: All samples are sent to WADA accredited laboratories for analysis.