Recent news reports reveal that scientists from the Lausanne anti-doping laboratory think they've detected attempts by athletes to mask the presence of the blood-boosting drug erythropoietin (EPO). They hypothesize that a protease enzyme was introduced into the urine while the athlete was giving the sample in order to destroy traces of the drug. Is this possible, and can the scientists develop a test to detect this method? Laura Weislo reports.
When the test was first introduced, it could only detect EPO within a few days of its administration. As the test was made more sensitive, athletes switched from using the normal therapeutic doses to "micro-dosing". Using this method, the drug is only detectable within a day of its use. But as the test continues to be refined, several high-profile EPO positives may be inspiring athletes to find new ways to continue to use the drug without being caught.
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