HELPING ATHLETES AVOID, UNDERSTAND, AND EXPLAIN POSITIVE TESTS
Morgan Scientific Services focuses exclusively on managing for athletes any process or issue of a scientific nature in respect of anti-doping.
Morgan Scientific Services is brought to you by Morgan Sports Law – the world’s leading law firm for athletes in anti-doping matters.
ABOUT US
Our analysts have many years of practical experience of working with athletes from all over the world.
From assessing the validity of a “positive test” and/or what might have caused it, to filing Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) applications for the use of medication, we are best-placed to help athletes navigate the complexities of anti-doping scientific matters.
OUR SERVICES
B SAMPLE ANALYSIS OBSERVATION
If an athlete’s A sample tests “positive”, they are entitled to have their B sample analysed, and to select an observer to attend that analysis to check if it was performed correctly and the results are valid. If the observer identifies a fundamental error in the analysis, then the case usually falls away.
Testing errors can be difficult to spot, but our analysts have extensive experience in doing so.
Source investigations
An athlete will often not know why they tested “positive”, and so will need to investigate what caused that result (if unable to identify the source, an athlete is normally banned for two to four years).
Investigations can feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack. But, with appropriate scientific support, the most likely time and dose of the exposure event can often be identified, and potential sources ruled “in” or “out” to significantly narrow the scope of the investigation.
Our experience in applying sophisticated scientific techniques to assist in source investigations has helped many athletes protect their reputations and careers.
Athlete Biological Passport blood data reviews
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) operates an Athlete Biological Passport system which monitors the blood data parameters of an athlete over time. If certain parameter limits calculated by WADA are exceeded, charges may be brought against the athlete for blood doping. We have developed a tool which helps us to quickly and easily assess whether WADA’s calculations are correct, the results of which may assist in the defence against any such charges.
If an athlete’s sample tests “positive”, they are entitled to a copy of the laboratory’s documentation package. This detailed document sets out the science and methods underpinning the test and should be reviewed by an expert for the athlete because, if a fundamental error is identified, then the case usually falls away.
We are are experts at reviewing documentation packages efficiently and cost-effectively for athletes.
Laboratory documentation package reviews
THERAPUTIC USE EXEMPTION (TUE) applications
A TUE is a permission from an anti-doping authority to use a medication containing a prohibited substance, where medically justified (as per strict criteria).
TUEs can cover future planned use of a medication or may be sought for past use. In both cases, TUE applications are often an administrative headache for an athlete and their doctor and, if poorly planned, may jeopardise an athlete’s ability to use their medication, and even be used against them in anti-doping proceedings.
Our team are ideally placed to complete the TUE application on behalf of an athlete ensuring all information is submitted correctly.
