Alongside the analysis of samples for prohibited substances, the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP), a method introduced in 2009, has established itself as a pillar method in the detection of doping in sport.
The ABP is an individual electronic profile that monitors selected biological variables of an athlete. It contains the results of the athletes’ urine and blood samples, which are tracked consistently. Any significant variation from normal levels can be assessed for possible manipulation. At the ITA, ABP management is performed by a specialist unit of experts who liaise with the Athlete Passport Management Units (APMUs) and ABP Expert Panels in order to issue further targeted testing or in case of adverse or atypical findings.