Blood Sample Collection Integral to Clean Sport in Canada

(Ottawa, Ontario – August 11, 2009) – The Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) is resuming blood testing, complementing the use of urine analysis in an increasingly robust anti-doping program.

Blood collection has been a part of the Canadian Anti-Doping Program (CADP) since 2004, but is only now being fully implemented domestically. The collection of blood enables the detection of blood doping and the use of human growth hormone, and allows monitoring of selected blood parameters.

“Adding the blood dimension to our domestic sample collection helps maintain a level playing field for athletes in Canada and internationally,” said Paul Melia, President and CEO of the CCES. “Although every national-level athlete is subject at all times to the blood program, the CCES will begin by focusing on endurance sports and power sports, in-competition.”

The CCES Blood Collection Program FAQ addresses common questions about the program and the sample collection process.

The CCES is an independent, national, non-profit organization. Our mission, to foster ethical sport for all Canadians, is carried out through research, promotion, education, detection and deterrence, as well as through programs and partnerships with other organizations.

For further information, please contact:
Rosemary Pitfield, Director of Communications,
(613) 355-0889
(613) 521-3340 x3236
[email protected]

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