Dried Blood Spots

Dried Blood Spot Testing

Since the beginning of 2023, Sport Ireland have begun collecting Dried Blood Spot (DBS) samples. DBS is an innovative testing method that collects just a few drops of blood from an athlete’s fingertip or upper arm. This is an additional testing method approved by the World Anti-Doping Agency.

Sport Ireland will continue to collect both urine and venous blood samples. However, athletes may also be subject to testing using DBS as an additional sample collection method.

We have created a DBS fact sheet (below) which details the sample collection process. Athletes and Athlete Support Personnel should read this so that they are familiar with the DBS process.

Sport Ireland are currently using the Tasso M20 device with Innovero’s purpose-built SAFESystem DBS Kit. You can click on the ‘play’ icon at the top of page 2 of the factsheet to view a short video on DBS sample collections.

For more information or queries on DBS, please do not hesitate to contact us at antidoping@sportireland.ie