COVID-19 Updates

NADA Germany takes infection prevention very seriously and has introduced hygiene standards for conducting tests that take into account the recommendations of the Robert Koch Institute and the World Anti-Doping Agency. These include wearing a mask that covers mouth and nose, hand hygiene and surface disinfection. You can see an overview of the measures in the figure. All measures taken serve to protect those involved in the testing process, in particular the athletes and the testing staff.

Together with the Institute for Biochemistry at the German Sport University Cologne and Sportradar, NADA Germany initiated a six-month pilot project to further develop the Testing Programme in 2021. In terms of content, the research project deals with the analytical possibilities of the dried blood spot method for detecting possible manipulations. A new technical remote testing solution was developed to take the dried blood spot samples, which is being tested in action for the first time as part of the project.

Further information can be found on the NADA Germany website: www.nada.de/nada/aktuelles/news/newsdetail/neues-dried-blood-spot-forschungsprojekt-remote-testing-und-proof-of-possible- manipulations (German)

NADA Germany had the implementation of the hygiene concept for medication tests for horses externally checked by TÜV Hessen. The concept has been certified with the "Safe against Corona" seal of quality. You can find more information at: www.nada.de/kontrollen/medikationkontrollen-bei-pferden

Athletes can contact the employees of the Testing Programme directly at any time with questions or problems: dks[at]nada.de

In the period from mid-March to mid-May 2020, testing had to be significantly reduced or suspended as a result of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic (COVID-19). In order to support clean athletes during the Corona crisis and to protect them from the general suspicion of unrestricted doping, NADA Germany initiated the project on the dried blood spot method in 2020. The tests using the DBS method were carried out between the end of March and the beginning of August 2020. All further information can be found here (German): www.nada.de/doping-kontrolle-system/entwicklung/

Vaccinations are compatible with the WADA anti-doping rules and are not subject to any restrictions. However, they should be planned in good time, coordinated and, if possible, carried out in a competition-free period.

Further information on COVID-19 vaccines can also be found in the NADAmed database.

WADA Notice dated December 11, 2020: WADA clarifies position on COVID-19 vaccines

A large number of different, already existing and approved drugs are currently being tested for the treatment of infections with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. These include, for example, antiviral drugs, immune modulators and drugs for lung diseases. In addition, research is being carried out on completely new active ingredients that are currently not approved as medicinal products.

Due to the large number of active ingredients currently in question which are pharmacologically and chemically very different, no statement can be made at this time to what extent potential future drugs for the treatment of COVID-19 are or will be part of the current or future WADA prohibited lists. A binding assessment can only be made if the specific active substance to be used is known.

Oxygen inhalation or ventilation is compatible with the WADA doping rules (The 2022 Prohibited List. International Standard. 1.1.2022) and can be used.

The antiviral agent remdesivir is compatible with the WADA doping rules (The 2022 Prohibited List. International Standard. 1.1.2022) and can be used.

The administration of glucocorticoids by any injectable, oral [including oromucosal (e.g. buccal, gingival, sublingual)] or rectal route is prohibited in-competition (The World Anti-Doping Code. The 2022 Prohibited List. International Standard. 2022-01-01). These types of administration of glucocorticoids are permitted outside of competition. All other types of administration of glucocorticoids are also permitted at any time. More information on glucocorticoids:

FAQ - Changes regarding cortisone from 01.01.2022 (German PDF)

Info-Sheet 'Glucocorticoids and Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUE)' (German PDF)

Information on applying for a Therapeutic Use Exemption permit (TUE) for the use of prohibited substances can be found at: https://www.nada.de/en/translate-to-en-medizin/therapeutic-use-exemptions

* Source: https://www.rki.de/DE/Content/Kommissionen/Stakob/Stellungnahmen/Stellungnahme-Covid-19_Therapie_Diagnose.pdf?__blob=publicationFile

Intravenous infusions and/or injections totaling more than 100 ml in any 12-hour period, even if the substance(s) administered is/are permitted, according to WADA's anti-doping rules (The 2022 Prohibited List. International Standard. 1.1 .2022) are prohibited methods and may only be carried out after a TUE has been granted, unless they are lawfully administered in the course of hospital treatment, surgical procedures or clinical diagnostic examinations.

Information on applying for a therapeutic use exemption (TUE) for the use of prohibited substances can be found at: https://www.nada.de/medizin/im-krankenfall/medical-exemption-permit-tue/

After the request from some clinics and blood donation centers to register as a donor after a recovered virus infection with SARS-CoV-2, we would like to point out that the anti-doping rules on blood and blood plasma donations should be observed. All information can be found at: www.nada.de/medizin/aktuelle-medizinische-hinweise

As usual, the doping relevance of drugs or active ingredients can be queried via our drug database NADAmed. For further inquiries about medication, the Medicine department is available by phone on 0228/ 812 92 132 during office hours and by e-mail (medizin[at]nada.de).

Inquiries for events (workshops and the information booth) can still be sent to praevention[at]nada.de. Together with the organizers, the possibilities of implementation are checked, taking into account the general hygiene precautions. In accordance with the current official regulations, however, a planned event may also be canceled at short notice.

Various online resources with prevention content are also available. In addition to the "TOGETHER AGAINST DOPING" e-Learning, there is also the option of online seminars. However, these are not a complete substitute for a face-to-face event. Interested parties can contact praevention[at]nada.de .

You can send inquiries at any time to kommunikation[at]nada.de.