Drug Testing in Bodybuilding

by Phyllis Kirkland

There are two common methods of testing for use of banned substances in bodybuilding; urinalysis, and polygraph testing. Contests that use urinalysis generally don’t test all competitors due to cost. Usually certain placement winners are tested, or individuals are selected randomly. Contests that use the polygraph exam tend to subject all competitors to testing since cost makes that feasible. Some contests incorporate both methods of testing. Generally it is the higher level shows that utilize this, like pro qualifiers for example, since higher level contests increase the likelihood that individuals will attempt to get an edge over their competition. There is more at stake at higher-level contests, such as increased possibility for magazine and television exposure, potential for endorsement offers based on achievement, or prize money for pros. Without such things, and considering competitors pay to enter contests, usage of banned substances isn’t as much of a problem at amateur local or regional level events.

Urinalysis is a laboratory analysis of urine. Urinalysis testing is more objective due to the scientific aspect of the testing, but the time span that banned substances can be detected is limited. Substances can be undetectable anywhere from three days to six months after use, depending on the substance. Because of this, athletes can time usage of substances so they “pass” a urine test on a specific day. This is why some sports organizations try to conduct random sampling of athletes throughout the year. Urinalysis does not necessarily detect all substances an organization may list as being banned either, like growth hormone for example. Additionally, individuals can attempt to mask the use of banned substances by using other drugs, sometimes referred to as masking agents. A few examples are epitestosterone, plasma expanders, and secretion exhibitors. Epitestosterone can be injected to lower the testosterone to epitestosterone ratio (T/E) thereby altering test results. Plasma expanders (used to treat trauma patients) can be used to dilute the concentration of substances in the bloodstream. Secretion inhibitors (medicinally used to treat gout) can be used to block drug proteins from being detected in urine. Individuals have even gone as far as injecting foreign urine directly into their bladders prior to testing in attempts of trying to avoid detection of illegal substances.

Polygraph testing, or the lie-detector test, is more subjective in analysis. A number of things could be going on with an athlete that could cause him/her to fail the test. Additionally, the testing administrator needs to be able to make a determination based on the inconsistencies of the results, so accuracy of the test is highly dependent on the ability of the individual administrator. With polygraph testing, questions can be asked about drug use over a stated period, such as five or seven years. It is possible to fabricate the “passing” of a polygraph examination though, by practicing certain techniques such as constricting muscles, altering breathing, and inducing pain during specific points of questioning.

Both of the two commonly used techniques to screen for drug use have their advantages, and disadvantages. Unfortunately, neither of the two methods is completely reliable, and this is a problem that plagues the sport of physique competition.