Changes to blood sample collection waiting times from 1 April 2026

Testing
  • Blood sample collection waiting times to change from 1 April, following the launch of a revised 2026 International Standard for Testing and Investigations (ISTI)  
  • On 1 January 2027 a new version of the World Anti-Doping Code (The 2027 Code) and its International Standards will come into force, including updates to the National Anti-Doping Policy and the UK Anti-Doping Rules 

What are the WADA International Standards? 

The World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) International Standards work alongside the World Anti-Doping Code to create harmonised anti-doping programmes worldwide. All organisations that sign up to the Code must follow these standards. This gives athletes confidence that the same anti-doping processes are in place across the globe.

Each International Standard covers a different technical or operational area of anti-doping. The ISTI, for example, sets out requirements for Anti-Doping Organisations and International Federations when testing athletes, managing intelligence and conducting investigations. A revised 2026 ISTI comes into force on 1 April 2026 – the changes are detailed below. 

What is changing from 1 April 2026?

Change in wait time for blood samples 

From 1 April 2026, the wait time for athletes providing a blood sample for the haematological module of the Athlete Biological Passport after training or competition will be reduced from two hours to 60 minutes.  

In addition, the 60-minute wait prior to collection will apply to all venous blood samples post training and competition, including the different modules of the Athlete Biological Passport. ​ 

The Doping Control Personnel (DCP) will ask the athlete the following questions when taking a blood sample for the haematological module of the Athlete Biological Passport: 

  • Have you competed or will compete within three days of sample collection?
  • Have you trained or competed in the 60 minutes before blood collection?
  • Have you trained, competed or stayed at an altitude above 1,500 metres in the past four weeks?
  • Have you used altitude simulation (such as a hypoxic tent or mask) in the past four weeks?
  • Have you been exposed to extreme environmental conditions, including saunas, in the 60 minutes before blood collection?
  • Have you received a blood transfusion or blood loss (due to accident, pathology or donation) in the prior three months? 

Preparing for the changes to the World Anti-Doping Code from 1 January 2027 

An updated World Anti-Doping Code (The Code) will come into force on 1 January 2027, which will require stakeholders to prepare for updates to the National Anti-Doping Policy and the UK Anti-Doping Rules.

WADA will also launch nine International Standards. There are currently eight Standards. The ISTI will be split into two Standards:

  • International Standard for Intelligence and Investigations (ISII)
  • International Standard for Testing (IST)

UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) will communicate these changes to all stakeholders this year, and work with you to prepare for the 2027 Code.

Look back at the 2027 World Anti-Doping Code consultation.

Useful Links 

We welcome feedback from athletes and the sporting community on the testing process. Email ukad@ukad.org.uk.