Scientific Expertise and the Athlete Biological Passport: 3 Years of Experience

Abstract

Expert evaluation of biological data is a key component of the Athlete Biological Passport approach in the fight against doping. The evaluation consists of a longitudinal assessment of biological variables to determine the probability of the data being physiological on the basis of the athlete's on own previous values (performed by an automated software system using a Bayesian model) and a subjective evaluation of the results in view of possible causes (performed by experts). The role of the expert is therefore a key component in the process. Experts should be qualified to evaluate the data regarding possible explanations related to the influence of doping products and methods, analytical issues, and the influence of exercise or pathological conditions. The evaluation provides a scientific basis for the decision taken by a disciplinary panel. This evaluation should therefore encompass and balance all possible causes for a given blood profile and provide a likelihood for potential scenarios (pathology, normal variation, doping) that might have caused the pattern. It should comply with the standards for the evaluation of scientific evidence in forensics. On the basis of their evaluation of profiles, experts might provide assistance in planning appropriate target testing schemes.

Hepcidin as a new biomarker for detecting autologous blood transfusion

“…The most common way to detect ABT in the blood matrix is the haematological module of the athlete biological passport (ABP). The ABP involves longitudinal monitoring of different biomarkers for patterns that are suspicious of doping [3][4][5]. The ABP haematological module uses blood markers such as haemoglobin (Hb) concentration and reticulocyte percentage to detect doping with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) and blood transfusion [6].…”

Serum Androgen Levels in Elite Female Athletes

“…The hematological module of the ABP is now successfully implemented by many national and international sports governing bodies (2)(3)(4). Although it does not totally eliminate blood doping, it acts as an effective deterrent on doping in sports (5).…”

Altitude exposure in sports: the Athlete Biological Passport standpoint

“…[23] A final report of the ABP containing data with a high chance of being attributable to the use of one or more prohibited substances or methods is typically defined as an 'adverse passport finding'. [24] Therefore, altitude is a confounding factor for blood variables, because hypoxia might affect both red blood cell production and vascular volumes. [24] Therefore, altitude is a confounding factor for blood variables, because hypoxia might affect both red blood cell production and vascular volumes.…”

“…[24] Therefore, altitude is a confounding factor for blood variables, because hypoxia might affect both red blood cell production and vascular volumes. [24] In fact, times of blood drawings are also important for a correct evaluation and interpretation. Two leading experts in this field, Schumacher and d'Onofrio, both recognize that any abnormality in a profile should be scrutinized in view of the question 'Can the abnormal result of the profile be explained by the environmental conditions to which the athlete was exposed prior to providing the sample?'…”