Evaluating an Athlete for Artificial Erythrocytosis (Blood Doping)

Method of Blood Doping	Detection
allotransfusion	venipuncture site, identify circulating red blood cells with different phenotype than patient, low serum erythropoietin level
autotransfusion	venipuncture site, low serum erythropoietin level
administration of erythropoietin	elevated serum erythropoietin levels

 

Needless to say, these can be difficult to prove and would be easier to mask.

 

One screening test would be to look for an hematocrit > 49% for males and > 46% for females, but this would not be either sensitive nor specific.

 

Some would also include training at high altitudes as a form of blood doping, although this could be argued.

 

The hazards of excessive erythrocytosis include:

(1) hyperviscosity syndrome

(2) hypertension

(3) heart failure

(4) stroke