DoCoLab scientists in the fight against doping at Rio!
On Friday 8 August, the Olympic Games began in Rio de Janeiro. Belgium hasn't just sent athletes to Brazil, but also 7 scientists from DoCoLab, the anti-doping control laboratory of Ghent University. These scientists have joined their Brazilian colleagues to help with anti-doping tests. They will also be in attendance during the Paralympic Games that will run from 7 to 18 September 2016.
During the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, 7 scientists from Ghent University will assist their Brazilian colleagues in Brazil's anti-doping laboratory. Approximately 6,000 samples from participants in the Games will be analysed to test for the possible use of 400 banned substances. During these sporting events, the laboratory will be working 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
It is estimated that almost half the participants will be tested. As well as regular urine tests, blood samples will also be studied in the Rio laboratory. The results of the analyses must be submitted within 24 hours. In order to do this, scientists are building on the Olympic motto ‘Citius, Altius, Fortius’ (faster, higher, stronger) with more samples being analysed at the Rio Olympics with greater accuracy and greater effectiveness than in the past.
The seven members of Ghent University will support the work of some 150 scientists at the Rio laboratory. They will be involved in interpreting the results and implementing the most complex techniques.
Ghent University's support has been provided at the request of the Rio laboratory. This initiative recognises the scientific reputation of the Ghent laboratory.