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WADA said last week that it would seek
alternative sources of sample collection kits after Swiss
manufacturer Berlinger Special AG announced it was pulling out
of the business.
The world anti-doping body said in January it was looking into a
potential integrity issue with Berlinger's sample collection
bottles after the accredited laboratory in Cologne discovered
they might potentially be susceptible to manual opening "upon
freezing".
The bottles are used to collect and store urine and/or blood
samples when an athlete undergoes a doping control test.
"UKAD remains confident in the robust integrity of our sample
collection process," UKAD director of operations Pat Myhill said
in a statement on its website (www.ukad.org.uk).
"In keeping with our previous statements, our advice to athletes
is, if there are any concerns regarding the testing bottles
available, please take the test and note any concerns on the
doping control form."
Myhill said UKAD was still using an older version of sample
collection bottles but added that there have been no reported
issues with bottle integrity.
"UKAD will minimize the very low risk, highlighted by the recent
statement from WADA regarding new versions of sample bottles
breaking on freezing, by working closely with the laboratory to
determine suitable controls to maintain the highest standards of
assurance," he said.
"In addition, UKAD is exploring alternative options for sample
collection bottles, and has recently coordinated a meeting with
an alternative supplier."
(Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar in Bengaluru)
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