Blood Doping
...ed blood cells are placed in cold storage (Beckham, 2002, www). The units of blood are now considered to be packed RBC’s and are either refrigerated at 4 degrees C or frozen at –80 degrees C. Today’s scientists recommend the freezing process because the freezing completely halts the aging process of the cells. Freezing can allow the blood to be stored for us to 10 years with only 10% to 15% red blood cell loss. When the athlete is ready to use the blood it is infused back into the body. This reinfusion process is generally done 1 to 7 days before the competition. When the process is done correctly it can increase the hemoglobin level and red blood cell count by up to 20%. Table 23-4 (Robertson, 1982, 490) The chart above shows the hemoglobin concentration remains maximally elevated for at least two weeks after infusion and remains high for two to three months. The increase in the hemoglobin level and blood cell count is why blood doping works. The increase of the hemoglobin and blood cell allows more efficient transportation of oxygen through the muscles from the increase in the red blood cells. The more efficient transportation of oxygen in turn results in an overall improved performance during exercise. Blood doping has both proponents and opponents throughout the scientific and athletic communities. In 1984 the International Olympic Committee, the NCAA and the American College of Sports Medicine ruled, “Any blood doping procedure used in an attempt to improve athletic performance is unethical, unfair, and exposes the athlete to unwarranted and potentially serious health risks (Catlin, 1996, 231).” However there is no sure way of detecting whether an athlete has undergone blood doping. The results of blood doping can look just like the results of an athlete training at high altitudes. As a result of there being no foolproof tests for blood doping agencies have no way of enforcing a ban. Scientists who oppose blood doping are continually trying to find non-drug alternatives that will help improve athletic performance. Along with the ethical ...