WADA Suspends Ankara and Penang Laboratories from Anti-Doping Analysis
WADA has suspended the accredited laboratories in Ankara, Turkey, and Penang, Malaysia, from carrying out anti-doping analysis for respectively three and two months. The suspension is in effect as of March 23, 2009. During this period of suspension, these two laboratories, which are part of the 34 WADA-accredited laboratories worldwide, will not be allowed to analyze anti-doping samples. The laboratories have 21 days to appeal this decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport should they so wish.
Pursuant to the International Standard for Laboratories, WADA is responsible for accrediting and re-accrediting anti-doping laboratories, as well as ensuring that they maintain the highest quality standards. This monitoring is conducted mainly through WADA’s Proficiency Testing Program and ISO assessment by independent national accreditation bodies. Whenever a laboratory does not meet these quality requirements, as was the case with these two laboratories, WADA may suspend the laboratory’s accreditation.
WADA will re-evaluate the status of the laboratories before the end of their suspension period and will conduct site visits to ensure that proper corrective actions have been implemented.(source: WADA)
