Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF)

What is an AAF?

If my “A” sample is reported as an Adverse Analytical Finding, what happens next?

• USADA will advise you of the date on which the laboratory will conduct the opening and analysis of the “B” sample, which under the International Standard for Laboratories is to occur within seven days of USADA receiving notice of an AAF from the lab.

• Under the USADA Protocol you or your representative, at your expense, have the right to attend the “B” sample opening.

• If the “B” sample confirms the “A” sample’s Adverse Analytical Finding, or if there is other evidence of an anti-doping rule violation, the matter proceeds to USADA’s independent Anti-Doping Review Board, which is a panel drawn from a pool of independent experts.

• The independent Review Board makes a recommendation to USADA as to whether there is sufficient evidence to charge an athlete with an Anti-Doping Rule Violation.

• If USADA charges you with an anti-doping rule violation, you have the choice of accepting the recommended sanction or taking the case to a hearing. Learn more about the hearing process here.