There are natural fluctuations in hematocrit (red blood cells) levels in the general population. There are typically greater fluctuations in athletes depending on condition, season, health and time of tests. Therefore more advanced testing is needed to ensure reliable analysis of the HCT to hold their value against potential appeals to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Dried Blood Spot sample and testing may go a long way in ensuring that cheating athletes are suspended appropriately.
Global scientific community helps anti-doping agencies win race against cheaters
"...the use of DBS brings advantages such as minimally invasive sampling, reduced sampling costs, easier shipment and storage, as well as automated laboratory processes. Also, the blood sampling frequency could be increased, as DBS sampling is more convenient for the athletes. I see the implementation of DBS into the world of anti-doping as a very important step forward." —Dr. Marc Luginbühl
