The biological passport

The “athlete biological passport” was proposed in the early 2000s by the scientific community as a way to track certain hematological variables in order to detect blood doping. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), together with medical experts, developed and validated this concept to identify doping patterns through the longitudinal monitoring of biological parameters. In 2009, the first module, focused on hematological variables, was officially launched. In 2014, a steroid module was added to establish profiles of steroid variables from urine samples. In 2023, additional steroid variables from blood samples completed this profile, and an endocrine module was introduced to monitor human growth hormone (hGH) markers.

The main objectives of the integration of the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP)

Targeted detection and adjustment of controls : The PBA helps identify suspect athletes and samples through intelligent data analysis, leading to an anti-doping rule violation (ADR). It helps direct testing, store and analyze samples more accurately, and complements traditional analytical procedures, such as to detect erythropoiesis, transfusions, or exogenously administered steroids.
Establishing the use of prohibited substances without direct testing : By tracking biological markers over time, the PBA can demonstrate the use of prohibited substances, even if they are not detectable by traditional analyses. It becomes an important complement to traditional detection methods.
Facilitating investigations: The PBA provides additional information to guide anti-doping investigations, by identifying suspect athletes or groups. Spatio-temporal analysis of the data can enrich these investigations.
Prevention of urine sample sharing: PBA helps detect urine sample substitution through inconsistencies in steroid profiles, allowing for identification of manipulation cases with confirmation via DNA analysis.
Optimization of control strategies: Anti-doping organizations can use PBA data to improve the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of their strategies by adjusting testing frequency based on identified risks in certain athletes or groups.
Effective deterrence: The PBA acts as a deterrent in anti-doping programs, combining education, tracking and testing to discourage doping behavior.

The three main modules of the PBA are:

The haematological module:

Tracks blood doping markers to detect EPO, blood transfusions and manipulation.

The steroid module:

Identifies exogenous steroid use and detects possible exchange of urine samples.

The endocrine module:

Monitors markers related to human growth hormone (hGH) and analogues, as well as IGF-I.

young fitness woman runner stretching legs before run

Blood and urine samples can be collected during a competition, during preparation / training periods or even during the offseason.
Athletes may therefore be required to provide blood or urine samples at any time of the year wherever they are.

The fight against doping is based on several strategies including direct testing of athletes, but also evidence gathered in the context of anti-doping rule violations without positive testing. By combining these strategies, and developing others to respond to emerging threats, the fight against doping becomes more effective. In recent years, doping protocols have been increasingly scientifically planned and have taken advantage of the loopholes in traditional protocols.

The PBA complements the traditional doping control process with the aim of increasing the effectiveness of anti-doping programs.

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