Fact file: What is doping?

TORONTO – Lance Armstrong is facing more doping allegations just a few months after he thought he had finally put them to rest.

The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency accuses the seven-time Tour de France winner of using the blood-booster EPO, getting blood transfusions and using human growth hormone, amongst other charges.

With this in mind, Global News looks at the blood booster EPO and blood transfusions that Lance Armstrong is accused of using.

What is doping?

Generally speaking, doping refers to the use of performance-enhancing drugs or methods used by athletes to gain an edge when in a competition. Under WADA’s guidelines, both EPO and human growth hormone are prohibited at all times, in and out of competition.

What is blood doping?

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According to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) blood doping is defined as “the misuse of certain techniques and or substances to increase one’s red blood cell mass, which allows the body transport more oxygen to muscles and therefore increase stamina and performance.” In simpler terms, it’s manipulating the blood.

There are two popular ways to do this, according to the University of Southern California: by increasing the amount of erythropoietin (EPO) in the blood or by having blood transfusions.

What is a blood transfusion?

A blood transfusion refers to the transfer of blood into a person’s vein. It increases an individual’s hemoglobin concentration – the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen – above normal levels, which allows athletes to perform at superior levels for longer periods of time.

What is Erythropoietin (EPO)?

EPO is a hormone that is produced by the kidneys to stimulate the production of red blood cells.

EPO production can be induced in two ways: to inject a synthetic form of the hormone or to create hypoxic conditions, which occur where the air is ‘thinner’ or has a lower oxygen concentration.

This condition triggers the kidneys to release erythropoietin and starts producing EPO.

EPO has been banned by WADA since the early 1990s. It’s been widely used as a performance-enhancing drug in sports such as cycling, skiing and distance running.

According to WADA, by thickening the blood, EPO leads to many dangerous conditions for those taking it, including heart disease and stroke. 

With files from Associated Press