Measurement uncertainty and doping control in sport. Part 2: Metrological traceability aspects

The assessment of (non-)compliance in doping control and in particular the appreciation of uncertainty of measurement in such an assessment has become a subject of debate. In a previous paper, the requirements for evaluating measurement uncertainty have been addressed. The debate now focuses on the estimation of the standard uncertainty. The completeness of an uncertainty budget is discussed in view of the (metrological) traceability of the result. It is concluded that despite the fact that the new doping rules dictate that A-tests and B-tests be performed in the same laboratory, the uncertainty budget should encompass all factors, including between-laboratory effects. The assessment of (non-)compliance should be based on a one-sided t-test. There is also consensus about the level of confidence to be applied (99%), despite the fact that the regulations state 95% as the appropriate level.