LONDON — A new test that can detect the use of human growth hormone for up to 21 days has been endorsed by international anti-doping officials, moving a step closer to a potential breakthrough against doping at next year’s London Olympics.
U.S. Anti-Doping Agency CEO Travis Tygart told The Associated Press on Monday the “bio-marker” test for HGH won strong consensus among doping scientists and experts from around the world who attended a London symposium on detecting growth factors.
The test, which still needs final validation by the World Anti-Doping Agency, widely extends the detection window from the current “isoform” test, which can identify HGH use only going back 12 to 72 hours.
The new test, which also uses blood samples, can go back “anywhere from 10 days to 21 days” and could be a significant deterrent against one of the most potent performance-enhancers in sports, Tygart said.
“This is an important step,” he said. “We’re hopeful it’s going to be approved by WADA soon.”
In addition to its possible use at the Olympics or in international sports, the test would also be valid for the NFL, whose players union has yet to agree to introduction of any HGH testing.
The biomarker test was the main focus of a closed-door conference over the weekend that was jointly organized by USADA and UK Anti-Doping. WADA has to go through its own scientific validation process before the new test can go into effect.
