WADAaccredited

WADA-accredited refers to laboratories and related testing facilities that have been formally evaluated and approved by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to analyze doping samples and support anti-doping programs in sport. Accreditation indicates that the facility operates in accordance with WADA’s International Standard for Laboratories (ISL) and adheres to high-quality management and testing practices.

The accreditation process typically involves assessment by a WADA-recognized independent accreditation body (IAB) that verifies compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 or equivalent quality standards, as well as conformance with the ISL. Laboratories must demonstrate validated analytical methods, proper chain of custody, robust quality assurance, and ongoing participation in proficiency testing. After initial accreditation, laboratories undergo periodic surveillance and on-site audits, with reaccreditation typically required every several years to maintain WADA recognition.

WADA-accredited laboratories perform analyses on urine and blood samples collected for anti-doping testing, employing validated techniques such as chromatography and mass spectrometry. They also implement standardized reporting, storage, and security procedures to ensure results are accurate, traceable, and legally defensible. WADA maintains a public list of accredited laboratories, enabling National Anti-Doping Organizations and sports bodies to identify qualified facilities for testing tasks.

Being WADA-accredited signals a commitment to standardized procedures, quality control, and integrity in anti-doping testing. It does not guarantee absolute error-free results, but it provides a framework intended to ensure consistency, reliability, and fairness across international sport.