Drug-free Olympic and Paralympic Games for all athletes

The ATHENS 2004 Doping Control Programme is committed to deliver doping control services in accordance with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Medical Commission guidelines during the ATHENS 2004 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The Programme will provide high quality procedures, traceability and confidentiality, and contribute to the development of drug-free Olympic Games for all athletes. It will respect medical and sport ethics and take into consideration the protection of athletes' health and reputation.

It will also ensure the efficient supply of consumables and equipment, secure sample transport and high-level training and integration of volunteers. The samples (urine and/or blood) will be examined at AOSC Accredited Laboratory in a professional manner to guard the confidentiality of athletes.

All doping related procedures applied during the ATHENS 2004 Olympic and Paralympic Games will be in accordance with ISO 9001/9002 standards. In addition, sample-handling software will automate documenting procedures to minimise human errors during sample collection.

The IOC Medical Commission has agreed that the Doping Control Programme will be responsible for delivering a maximum of 3,500 tests at the time of the Olympic Games and Test Events. The negative results will be announced in 24 hours and the positive in 36 hours. These will comprise primarily urine tests, however some provision is being made for Erythropoietin (EPO) or other blood substances testing according to the IOC Medical Commission requirements.

The Programme will also provide doping control services to the Paralympic Games (approximately 650 tests).