WADA has imposed a six-month ATR on the anti-doping laboratory in Havana ©WADA

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has imposed an analytical testing restriction (ATR) on the anti-doping laboratory in Havana for a six-month period due to concerns over its gas chromatography/combustion/isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC/C/IRMS) analytical method.

GC/C/IRMS is the official test to detect illicit doping of synthetic versions of endogenous steroids, such as testosterone.

WADA received a recommendation from its Laboratory Expert Advisory Group on October 27 to impose the ATR for the Cuban facility's non-compliance with the International Standard for Laboratories (ISL).

On November 8, the laboratory was then informed of the sanction by WADA and was given an opportunity to respond to the recommendation or accept the ATR and its related conditions.

Havana subsequently accepted the ATR on November 14, prior to the sanction period beginning on November 16.

The Havana laboratory decided to accept the suspension insteading of launch an appeal ©Getty Images
The Havana laboratory decided to accept the suspension insteading of launch an appeal ©Getty Images

"During the ATR, the Havana Laboratory can continue carrying out its regular anti-doping activities, as per the ISL," read a WADA statement.

"However, all routine samples that require GC/C/IRMS analysis shall be securely transported with a demonstrable chain of custody for GC/C/IRMS analysis to another WADA-accredited laboratory."

According to the ISL, WADA is responsible for accrediting and re-accrediting anti-doping laboratories to ensure they maintain high standards.

The monitoring process is conducted in conjunction with the International Organization for Standardization.

Laboratories in Bucharest and Stockholm have also been sanctioned for GC/C/IRMS indiscretions in the past.