Drug Testing in Christchurch

Drug testing usually involves the Olympics, Tour de France or other high level professional sports. While this may be the focus of media and public attention, a great deal goes on at all levels both here in Christchurch and around New Zealand. New Zealand is one of several countries that has a reputable recognized internal drug testing programme. Unfortunately many countries do not and rely on testing at international events (i.e., Olympics) alone to act as a deterrent. Here in New Zealand the testing is carried out by the New Zealand Sports Drug Agency or NZSDA.

For the last five years Have worked as D.T.O. (Drug Testing Officer) and D.C.O. (Drug Control Officer) for the programme in Canterbury. This involves the collection of urine samples under strict control for laboratory analysis at the nearest registered lab in Australia. Tests are of two different types. In competition tests, and out of competition tests. As you may guess, in competition tests take place at the sports event, in the stadium, at the grounds or wherever competition is held. Usually the test is for all drugs, including stimulants, and those tested may be picked on finishing place, jersey number or some other often random criteria. Out of competition tests are forming an increasing part of NZSDA work. Out of competition tests may be short notice or no notice tests. The latter involves the testing officers turning up at the athlete's home or at a training venue. Not always easy, the timing may well be inconvenient to the athlete and even embarrassing. Once you have notified the athlete, you are with them until the specimen is passed and sealed. Inevitably, when you come to their home they have just peed before you arrive, so a long wait ensues. Because I feel like the "repo man" knocking on darkened doors at night, I am always pleasantly surprised by the acceptance, and even welcome, from the athletes who all seem to support the programme, despite the imposition. Being watched as you attempt to pass urine stripped to the knees and chest can cause "performance anxiety" in the toughest rugby player. D.T.O.'s who observe the procedure need to put the athlete at case as much as possible and are obviously of the same sex as the athlete. Nevertheless, some "can't go" although in the end they always do, sometimes after lots of fluids and a long wait. Most are happy to be able to compete in an environment where drug taking is not part of the game and are aware that they can be tested at any time.

Short notice testing is usually done at Gloucester Sports Clinic, my place of work, athletes having been notified of the requirement to attend for a test the day before. Because some prescription and over-the-counter medicines can cause a positive test, it is vital the athletes are aware of what they can and cannot take. Innocent looking drugs like cold and flu preparations can cause positive results and result in banning. Also refusal to do a test or adulteration of samples can result in a penalty as if the test was positive. All out of competition tests are usually partial tests; only those drugs that you would take during training (i.e. anabolic steroids and masking agents) are tested for. At a local level, there is little difficulty and usually full cooperation.

The impression I have gained is that drug cheating is very rare in tested sports in Canterbury. Often athletes are concerned that the NZSDA may test for marijuana or alcohol. These are only ever tested for in in-competition tests where safety is an issue, such as motor racing. Caffeine, however, is banned at high doses, much higher levels than is possible by drinking coffee or Coca-Cola. However, in some countries and at Olympic levels in many sports drug cheating is probably much more likely, the stakes are higher and the pressure to cheat much higher. Some drugs like EPO (erythropoeitin) and GH (growth hormone) are very expensive and would be unlikely to be able to be funded locally, but cost would not be an issue at Olympic level. Both these drugs are difficult to test for as they are indistinguishable from the natural equivalent. Blood (not urine) tests are being developed for these and a legally robust test may be available in the near future. Athletes may then be asked to give a blood as well as a urine sample - not exactly what you would feel like after winning Olympic Gold! Despite this, most athletes are keen to support more testing even if it is intrusive, embarrassing and requires blood as well as urine samples. None want to take drugs to compete. Most in fact are very careful about their health and substances they put into their bodies. However, their will to win is even greater, and a good part of the reason they're Olympic athletes, so the drug testing agencies' aim is not to give them an opportunity to be tempted.

Each Olympics a casual survey is done of athletes competing. They are asked if they would take a drug that would guarantee a 5% performance improvement, was totally undetectable but would certainly cause their death in five years - would they take it? Each Olympics more than 50% answer yes. The role of the NZSDA is not to allow an environment where temptation can exist. Athletes must know that cheats are likely to be caught, and this belief allows them to train knowing the playing field is level. It is for these reasons that the athletes support the programme and makes the job of the drug testing officer a worthwhile one.