The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) announces that, in accordance with the International Standard for Laboratories (ISL), Sir Craig Reedie, Chairman of WADA’s Executive Committee, has approved lifting the provisional suspension of the accreditation of the Brazilian Doping Control Laboratory (Laboratório Brasileiro de Controle de Dopagem – LBCD – LADETEC / IQ – UFRJ) [Rio Laboratory] in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This reinstatement allows the Rio Laboratory to resume anti-doping analysis on urine and blood samples with immediate effect.

The Rio Laboratory, which had its accreditation suspended on 24 June, due to a non-conformity with the ISL, has successfully complied with the ISL’s requirements for reinstatement and no further suspension is required. “WADA is very pleased to announce that the Rio Laboratory’s accreditation has been reinstated,” said Olivier Niggli, Director General, WADA. “All parties worked diligently to resolve the identified issue so that the Laboratory could be up and running optimally for the Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games that start on 5 August,” Niggli continued. “Athletes can be confident that anti-doping sample analysis has been robust throughout the Laboratory’s suspension; and, that it will also be during the Games.”

After the Rio Laboratory’s accreditation was provisionally suspended, a Disciplinary Committee was formed to review the case on the basis of the Procedural Rules adopted by WADA’s Executive Committee. On 20 July, the Disciplinary Committee issued its recommendation to the Chairman of the Executive Committee with respect to accreditation status. After reviewing the recommendation, and the reports from WADA’s Laboratory Expert Group, the Chairman approved lifting the provisional suspension.

Pursuant to the ISL, WADA is responsible for accrediting and re-accrediting anti-doping laboratories; thereby, ensuring that they maintain the highest quality standards. Whenever a laboratory does not meet ISL requirements, WADA may decide to suspend or revoke the laboratory’s accreditation. As stipulated within the ISL, this decision is communicated to all relevant national public authorities; national accreditation bodies; National Anti-Doping Organizations; National Olympic Committees; International Federations and the International Olympic Committee.

• This media release was originally published by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) on 20 July 2016. To access the original, please click here.