Montreal, December 4, 2023
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is pleased to publish the version 9.0 of the Technical Document for sport-specific analyzes (DTASS), which will come into force on January 1, 2024. The revised version of the DTASS was approved by the WADA Executive Committee on November 16, 2023.
The DTASS is a mandatory Level 2 document that must be implemented by all Anti-Doping Organizations (ADOs) signatories to the World Anti-Doping Code. It aims to ensure that prohibited substances and/or prohibited methods falling within its scope are subject to an appropriate and consistent minimum level of analysis by all ADOs carrying out testing in sports or disciplines deemed to be at risk.
WADA updates the DTASS annually to ensure it remains fit for purpose. In 2023, a sub-working group composed of five members of the Expert Advisory Group on Strategic Controls and WADA staff conducted a detailed review of the DTASS, which included analysis of the current text of the document as well as ADAMS data from 2015-2022. The sub-working group presented its recommendations to the Expert Advisory Group on Strategic Controls during its face-to-face meeting on August 30 and 31, 2023.
Changes to DTASS version 8.0
A summary of changes made to DTASS version 8.0 is available here and the tracked changes version of DTASS version 9.0 is available here.
The DTASS changes will come into effect on January 1, 2024, with the exception of changes to the minimum levels of analysis for erythropoietin receptor (EPO) agonists for four sports/disciplines, which have been increased by 15%. at 30%. Changes to these minimum levels of analysis will come into effect on January 1, 2025, providing ADOs with sufficient time to incorporate these changes into their testing distribution plans. The four sports/disciplines are as follows: Athletics – combined events, Canoeing/Kayaking – ocean racing, orienteering and para-athletics, medium distance running 800m – 1500m all categories.
Request for flexibility
ADOs are also reminded that, in accordance with Article 4.7.2 of the International standard for controls and investigations (SICE), “an ADO may request flexibility from WADA in implementing the minimum level of analysis specified for prohibited substances or prohibited methods, as set out in the DTASS.” ADOs may request some flexibility (up to 50%) in the implementation of minimum levels of analysis based on criteria defined in Articles 3 and 6 of the DTASS.
Guides for DTASS controls
Information on prohibited substances and/or prohibited methods falling within the scope of DTASS and relevant guidance on control strategies is provided in the DTASS Controls Guides. A guide to gas chromatography/combustion/isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC/C/IRMS) checks is also available. ADO personnel involved in testing planning and targeted testing of athletes are advised to familiarize themselves with these testing guides, which can be requested by contacting WADA at testing@wada-ama.org.
If you have any questions or comments regarding DTASS version 9.0 or the request for flexibility, we invite you to contact testing@wada-ama.org.
