Urine Sample Collection Process
Drug testing will be a part of an athlete’s life as long as he/she chooses to compete at an elite level. It may not be the most glamorous part of an athlete’s career, but it is critical in the global fight for clean sport. UFC athletes subject to USADA drug testing may be subject to both in- and out-of-competition testing. Athletes may also subject to additional testing by Athletic Commissions or other Anti-Doping Organizations not governed by the UFC Anti-Doping Policy. This page outlines the in-competition testing process for a urine sample collection. The procedures for providing and processing a sample collection during the out-of-competition testing process are similar and are depicted in the video to the left.
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Explore the Steps of the Urine Sample Collection Process
Click on each section to open the details.
Athlete Selection and Notification
USADA’s drug testing program allows for athletes to be selected for testing both at a competition (in-competition testing) or without any advanced notice (out-of-competition testing) which can occur at any time and at any location. Athletes will be notified of their selection for doping control, by a USADA Doping Control Officer (DCO) or USADA chaperone. At the time of notification, the athlete will be informed of their rights and responsibilities during the sample collection process and be asked to provide photo identification.
Doping Control Station
Following notification, the athlete will remain under continuous watch (direct observation) of the DCO or chaperone. If the athlete has been notified for in-competition testing, they must immediately report to the doping control area. Under certain circumstances, an athlete may request a delay in reporting for valid reasons; however, this request may not be permitted if it is not possible for the athlete to be continuously chaperoned. Such circumstances may include:
- Fulfillment of media commitments
- Obtaining necessary medical treatments
- Locating a representative and/or interpreter
- Obtaining photo identification
- Completing a training session
For out-of-competition testing, a safe, secure, and private location will be chosen as the doping control area where sample collection will occur. Paperwork may be started in the doping control area and the athlete may choose to eat or drink anything at the athlete’s own risk while waiting to provide the sample. If the athlete has a representative with them, the representative will be able to accompany the athlete in the waiting and processing areas.
Provision of Sample
When ready to provide a sample, the athlete will be asked to select a sealed sample collection vessel from a choice of vessels. The athlete should check and inspect the collection vessel to ensure that it has not been tampered with and will be instructed to rinse their hands with only water before opening the vessel. The athlete representative may be present in the toilet area during the provision of the sample with the athletes permission and when agreed upon by the DCO.
The athlete will be asked to provide a urine sample of at least 90ml under direct observation of a DCO or witnessing chaperone. In order for the DCO or chaperone to have a clear view of the sample being provided, the athlete will be asked to pull their shirt up to mid torso and pants down to mid-thigh. As soon as the athlete is finished providing the sample, the DCO or chaperone will instruct the athlete to immediately secure the vessel with the lid.
Sample Processing
After the sample is secured, the athlete and the DCO or chaperone will proceed back to the doping control area to begin the sample processing part of sample collection.
The athlete will first be asked to choose a sample collection kit containing the bottles in which the sample will be sent to the laboratory. Similar to the way the vessel was chosen, the athlete will choose from a choice of sample collection boxes and ensure that the container is not damaged or tampered with.
The athlete will open the sample collection kit and inspect the contents of the package. Both the DCO and athlete will ensure that all sample code numbers on the bottles, lids, and sample collection kit box match.
The athlete will then divide the sample between the B Sample and A Sample bottles and seal them. The DCO will not handle any of the equipment during the procedure unless requested to do so by the athlete. The athlete is to maintain control of the sample until the sample is sealed.
Once the sample is sealed, the athlete will be asked to place the B Sample and A Sample bottles into plastic bags and sealed in a protective container.
The DCO will check the specific gravity (concentration) of the sample. Additional samples may be requested if the sample is not within the required range.
Sample Collection Forms
The DCO and athlete will complete sample collection forms together, either hard-copy or via the USADA Paperless Sample Collection System, to document the circumstances of the sample collection process. Additionally, in accordance with the instructions on the doping control official record (DCOR), the athlete should declare any substance or medication they may have taken. They also should provide details of any Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs) they may have on file.
For information on medical declarations including TUEs, please click here.
The athlete should check the entire DCOR thoroughly to ensure that the information is accurate and correct. The athlete’s name is not on the form that goes to the laboratory.
The laboratory reports all results based on the unique sample code numbers. The athlete should keep a copy of the DCOR in a safe place.
The sample is then mailed by the DCO to the laboratory for analysis in a transport bag, ensuring a secure chain of custody. For information on laboratory sample analysis, please click here. The sample may be subject to long-term storage and further analysis at the discretion of USADA.
Finally, the athlete should include any comments on the athlete evaluation survey and return it to USADA.
To help ensure a level-playing field globally, elite athletes participate in no-notice, in-competition and out-of-competition urine and blood testing in accordance with the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) International Standards. The sample collection and analysis process is designed to ensure security of the sample during and after collection, as well as sample anonymity during the analysis process.
Click here to explore the six-step journey of a sample, from collection to storage.
Return to the Sample Collection Process.