QS: Isn’t it a huge challenge for the lab to handle so many tests in such a short time?
Saugy: It is indeed a big challenge for us, but we are already used to that kind of major event. Our laboratory is part of the CHUV (University Hospital in Lausanne) and is used to emergency services. And of course, the good relationship we have with FIFA helps a lot. Since the accreditation of the laboratory in Rio was revoked, we prepared carefully all the analyses and organisation with Professor Dvorak in order to get the samples in proper condition and to analyse them as soon as they arrive in the lab. This is a challenge, but the laboratory team is proud to be part of the event.
QS: Football is often criticised for not doing enough in the fight against doping. How would you respond to such criticism?
Saugy: FIFA has been investing in the field of anti-doping research for many years. Since the 1998 World Cup in France, our laboratory has been collaborating with FIFA and Professor Dvorak to establish the best strategies in the fight against doping. As far back as the 2002 World Cup in Korea/Japan, FIFA collected the first blood samples and implemented EPO tests in football. Now, its key role in the implementation of biological monitoring is also a consequence of years of research in the steroid profiling of football players.
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/y=2014/m=6/news=dvorak-saugy-outline-anti-doping-strategies-2354961.html