The following is the Q&A part of a report updated November 26, 2007.
Does a test for hGH exist?
A test for hGH was first introduced at the 2004 Summer Olympic Games in Athens, Greece. The test to detect hGH abuse is a blood test.
Is the hGH test reliable?
> The current test is reliable.
> Another test, in its final development stage, will be combined with the current test to further enhance the detection window for hGH abuse.
> The concepts and development of both hGH tests have been systematically reviewed by international independent experts in such fields as hGH, endocrinology, immunoassay, analytical chemistry, etc. In addition, these tests are the outcome of nearly US$6 million in research over the course of more than 10 years.
> Research was initiated by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the European Union, and then taken over by WADA when it was created and had adopted scientific research as one of its priority activities.
Why has there been only a limited implementation of the current hGH test?
> The current test is based on the blood matrix and has been implemented on a limited scale to a number of the WADA-accredited anti-doping laboratories worldwide.
> The antibodies used for the current tests are produced in a research environment. The production of antibodies in a research environment is characteristically small.
> Industrial production of the anti-bodies is the next step for the widespread implementation of the hGH test.
When will the industrial production be ready?
> A proto-type of a commercial kit has been made. WADA is moving to the final stage which involves working with a commercial company for its large scale production and distribution. WADA anticipates that these kits will be available soon.
Why have there been no positive cases for hGH so far?
> The test was introduced at the Athens Olympic Games in 2004 and other major sport events. However, because hGH is often taken by doping athletes in the offseason for the anabolic effect, the test is most effective when implemented in a no-advance-notice out-of-competition strategy.
> Widespread implementation of the test, once produced on a commercial basis, will likely change these statistics.
Is a urine test for hGH likely to be developed?
> According to the overwhelming majority of international experts, the blood matrix is the most reliable matrix for the detection of hGH.
> hGH in urine is found in extremely small quantities (less than 1% than that found in blood).
> In the view of international scientific experts, efforts to develop a reliable urine test for hGH would require significant resources and time, and chances of success appear remote.
WADA-AMA
