WADA publishes Guidelines for Implementing the Technical Document for Sport Specific Analysis (TDSSA)

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is pleased to publish Guidelines for Implementing the Technical Document for Sport Specific Analysis (TDSSA Guidelines) that support version 9.0 of the TDSSA.  

The TDSSA is a mandatory Level 2 document that must be implemented by all Anti-Doping Organizations (ADOs) that are Signatories to the World Anti-Doping Code. These new TDSSA Guidelines replace the TDSSA Supporting Document A - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and will assist ADOs in implementing the TDSSA requirements, giving practical examples and suggestions. 

ADOs can find information on the analysis capacity per WADA-accredited laboratory for the Prohibited Substances within the scope of the TDSSA on WADA’s website. For Prohibited Substances outside the scope of the TDSSA, ADOs can also find the full list of specific methods that are not included in the standard sample analysis menu and are available in WADA-accredited laboratories on WADA’s website. 

Application for Flexibility 

ADOs are also reminded that in accordance with Article 4.7.2 of the International Standard for Testing and Investigations, ‘an ADO may apply to WADA for flexibility in the implementation of the MLA specified for Prohibited Substances or Prohibited Methods as outlined in the TDSSA’. ADOs can apply for flexibility (up to 50%) in the implementation of the MLAs against set criteria listed in Articles 3 and 6 of the TDSSA. 

TDSSA Testing Guides 

Finally, information on the Prohibited Substances and Methods within the scope of the TDSSA and guidance on Testing strategies for each Prohibited Substance is provided within the TDSSA Testing Guides. A Testing Guide on Gas Chromatography/Combustion/Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (GC/C/IRMS) is also available. ADO staff involved in test planning and target testing of athletes are advised to be familiar with these Testing Guides, which can be requested by contacting WADA at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  

Should you have any questions or comments regarding the TDSSA Guidelines, the TDSSA Testing Guides, or the application for flexibility, we invite you to contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

WADA publishes revised TDSSA that will come into force on 1 January 2024

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is pleased to publish version 9.0 of the Technical Document for Sport Specific Analysis (TDSSA), which will enter into force on 1 January 2024. The revised TDSSA was approved by WADA’s Executive Committee (ExCo) on 16 November 2023.  

The TDSSA is a mandatory Level 2 document that must be implemented by all Anti-Doping Organizations (ADOs) that are signatories to the World Anti-Doping Code. The TDSSA is intended to ensure that the Prohibited Substances and/or Prohibited Methods within the scope of the TDSSA are subject to an appropriate and consistent minimum level of analysis (MLA) by all ADOs that conduct testing in those sports or disciplines deemed at risk. 

WADA conducts an annual update of the TDSSA to ensure it remains fit for purpose. In 2023, a sub-working group consisting of five members from the Strategic Testing Expert Advisory Group (STEAG) and WADA staff conducted a detailed review of the TDSSA, which included analyzing the current text of the document as well as 2015-2022 ADAMS data. The sub-working group provided its recommendations to the STEAG during its in-person meeting on 30 and 31 August 2023.  

Modifications to TDSSA version 8.0  

A summary of modifications to the TDSSA version 8.0 can be found here and the redlined version of the TDSSA version 9.0 can be found here. 

The amendments to the TDSSA will enter into force on 1 January 2024 with the exception to changes made to the MLAs for erythropoietin receptor agonists (ERAs) for four sports/disciplines which was increased from 15% to 30%. The changes to these MLAs will come into force on 1 January 2025, allowing ADOs sufficient time to incorporate these changes into their Test Distribution Plans. The four sports/disciplines are: Athletics – Combined Events, Canoe/Kayak – Ocean Racing, Orienteering and Para-Athletics, Running Middle Distance 800m - 1500m All Classes. 

Application for Flexibility 

ADOs are also reminded that in accordance with Article 4.7.2 of the International Standard for Testing and Investigations (ISTI), “an ADO may apply to WADA for flexibility in the implementation of the MLA specified for Prohibited Substances or Prohibited Methods as outlined in the TDSSA.” ADOs can apply for flexibility (up to 50%) in the implementation of the MLAs against set criteria listed in Articles 3 and 6 of the TDSSA.  

TDSSA Testing Guides 

Information on the Prohibited Substances and/or Prohibited Methods within the scope of the TDSSA and relevant guidance on Testing strategies are provided within the TDSSA Testing Guides. A Testing Guide on Gas Chromatography/Combustion/Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (GC/C/IRMS) is also available. ADO staff involved in test planning and target testing of athletes are advised to be familiar with these Testing Guides, which can be requested by contacting WADA at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  

Should you have any questions or comments regarding the TDSSA version 9.0 or the application for flexibility, we invite you to contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..