USADA tested new blood-collection device on runners before this year’s Boston Marathon

ICYMI: USADA conducted voluntary testing with the new TAP™ device before the 2018 Boston Marathon. Check out what are Doping Control Officers had to say about the experience.https://t.co/qykPSsOMq9 pic.twitter.com/gApH6skLm5

— USADA (@usantidoping) June 25, 2018

The US Anti-Doping Administration tested a new blood-collection device called the TAP™ on volunteer runners before this year’s Boston Marathon as part of a pilot program. According to the USADA website, TAP allows blood to be collected at the push of a button, and is intended to make the process more convenient for both athletes and drug control officers. It is more efficient and less uncomfortable for athletes than the traditional intravenous method, collecting just five drops of blood (a fraction of the amount collected intravenously).

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The device was created by Seventh Sense Biosystems of Medford, Massachusetts and approved by the FDA in February 2017.

The device is positioned on the athlete’s upper arm for sample collection, and both the sample and the needle are stored in the device once collected. It eliminates the need for athletes to be seated for 20 minutes before blood is collected, and is minimally invasive and almost painless, by contrast with the intravenous method of collection.

The dried blood spot (DBS) method is also being tested.

Though urine sample collection is much more prevalent, blood testing may detect some substances that are missed in a urine sample. Also, blood sample collection is necessary for longitudinal data collection (also known as the biological passport), which allows for athletes to be monitored over time.

Doping control officer Danielle Miller is quoted on the USADA website as saying “At the Boston Marathon, many athletes were very interested in the new method and asked lots of questions about it. And athletes seemed to appreciate that USADA is looking at less invasive ways to collect blood. With it being so minimal and virtually painless, I think TAP will be an especially great method for athletes who have a fear of needles.”

DCO Rob Ciarlo adds: “It’s clear that USADA is willing to invest in the technology that advances clean sport.”