London 2012 will carry out an unprecedented number of tests to ensure the health and rights of the athletes, and that the integrity of the Games is upheld.

Ensuring a fair Games

A total of 1,250 samples will be collected at the Paralympic Games, representing a 25% increase from the numbers advertised for the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games.

Samples are collected under the jurisdiction of the International Paralympic Committee.

Collection of samples

All athletes entered into the Games are subject to testing in the period from the opening of the Paralympic Village until the Closing Ceremony. 

Urine and blood samples will be collected from athletes both before and after competition across all London 2012 accredited venues and outside venues, including overseas.

Athletes are not given advanced notice that they have been selected for doping control.

Anti-doping laboratory

Based in Harlow, Essex, the London 2012 World Anti-Doping Agency accredited laboratory will analyse more samples than at any previous Games.

Unveiled in January 2012, the facility has been provided by pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline, a London 2012 partner, and will be operated by anti-doping experts from King’s College London with support from scientists from around the world.

Over 1,000 London 2012 staff will work within the anti-doping process, with more than 150 scientists carrying out the testing.

The laboratory, which measures the size of seven tennis courts, will be in operation 24 hours a day, seven days a week.