There is no denying that among performance-enhancing substances banned in major sporting leagues, HGH supplements and injections tops in terms of popularity, especially lately. Recent events where Terry Newton -- a rugby player from the United Kingdom -- stirred the HGH controversy anew. Newton admitted to using HGH, tested positive for it, and was suspended as a result.
More than the concern about his suspension, Newton's case opened a gate of possibilities regarding the use of HGH among league players. Anti-doping officials are claiming they have finally found a testing method that will detect the levels of elevated amounts of synthetic HGH in one's body. But it has since received negative remarks from the members of the player's union.
Sophisticated Urine Testing
Anti-doping officials have been seeking approval from the players union for the use of blood screening as a way of HGH testing without success.
According to USA Today, American and Italian scientists have finally found the perfect solution. The drug testing policy that was previously agreed upon involves urine sampling as the method of choice among athletes. That's because urine testing is less invasive, is cheaper, is less likely to impose risks, and is deemed perfect for those who are afraid of needles. Then again, urine testing is also found to be less accurate. There have also been issues regarding players using masking methods to alter the results of the test. Also, urine testing is found to be ineffective in detecting the levels of synthetic HGH in the body, making the effort of keeping HGH use among league players in check futile.
Previously, even blood testing was found to be quite ineffective in providing positive HGH tests. Some players who went through it tested negative although they admitted to using the substance, which mainly boosts muscle growth. So what the officials did? They funded more research in order to provide an effective tool that they can use against HGH use in the professional leagues.
The result is the introduction of a sophisticated urine testing method that can detect HGH. This new discovery is set to address all those problems regarding HGH detection and control among the athletes.
The breakthrough method is said to detect HGH within two weeks that an athlete has last used the substance. It is more promising as compared to the HGH testing kits used during the Beijing Olympics, which detected HGH only within the last 24-48 hours that the athletes have used it.
Unfortunately, it will take some time before the said testing method will be put to the test, so to speak. They say that testing kits will be available within a six-month period. Its effectiveness and actual use will also be dependent on reviews by anti-doping authorities. Until then, we will have to wait and see whether it is truly as effective as it claims to be.
Copyright (c) 2011 Jim Terroirier
More than the concern about his suspension, Newton's case opened a gate of possibilities regarding the use of HGH among league players. Anti-doping officials are claiming they have finally found a testing method that will detect the levels of elevated amounts of synthetic HGH in one's body. But it has since received negative remarks from the members of the player's union.
Sophisticated Urine Testing
Anti-doping officials have been seeking approval from the players union for the use of blood screening as a way of HGH testing without success.
According to USA Today, American and Italian scientists have finally found the perfect solution. The drug testing policy that was previously agreed upon involves urine sampling as the method of choice among athletes. That's because urine testing is less invasive, is cheaper, is less likely to impose risks, and is deemed perfect for those who are afraid of needles. Then again, urine testing is also found to be less accurate. There have also been issues regarding players using masking methods to alter the results of the test. Also, urine testing is found to be ineffective in detecting the levels of synthetic HGH in the body, making the effort of keeping HGH use among league players in check futile.
Previously, even blood testing was found to be quite ineffective in providing positive HGH tests. Some players who went through it tested negative although they admitted to using the substance, which mainly boosts muscle growth. So what the officials did? They funded more research in order to provide an effective tool that they can use against HGH use in the professional leagues.
The result is the introduction of a sophisticated urine testing method that can detect HGH. This new discovery is set to address all those problems regarding HGH detection and control among the athletes.
The breakthrough method is said to detect HGH within two weeks that an athlete has last used the substance. It is more promising as compared to the HGH testing kits used during the Beijing Olympics, which detected HGH only within the last 24-48 hours that the athletes have used it.
Unfortunately, it will take some time before the said testing method will be put to the test, so to speak. They say that testing kits will be available within a six-month period. Its effectiveness and actual use will also be dependent on reviews by anti-doping authorities. Until then, we will have to wait and see whether it is truly as effective as it claims to be.
Copyright (c) 2011 Jim Terroirier
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