Last updated: February 12, 2026

*Please direct any questions or comments to the IFBB Professional League.

Disclaimer

A deviation from this sample collection process does not automatically invalidate the process or test result. The core requirement for maintaining the validity of a test – even with a procedural deviation – is that the integrity, security, and identity of the athlete’s sample must be preserved, ensuring the reliability of the test result.

Definition

“DCO” means “Doping Control Official” and includes doping control officers, assistants, chaperones, collectors, and other individuals assisting sample collection in an official capacity. It is recommended that at least three (3) DCOs should be used to conduct doping control, including one male DCO, one female DCO, and one other DCO of either sex.

Behavior

The IFBB Professional League has a zero-tolerance policy regarding improper conduct at any time during the sample collection process. Examples of such conduct, which will result in disciplinary action, include (but are not limited to),

  • Tampering and Manipulation: Attempting to alter, substitute, or contaminate a sample.
  • Harassment and Abuse: Directing threatening, abusive, or inappropriate behavior toward a DCO.
  • Non-compliance: Failing to follow the instructions of a DCO, failing to remain in direct sight of a DCO, refusing to submit to sample collection, or leaving the doping control station without permission.
  • Obstruction: Deliberately stalling, making excuses, or interfering with a DCO in the performance of their duties.
  • Unwanted Physical Contact: Any non-accidental, unwanted touching of a DCO.

Procedure

Step 1: A DCO will escort the top two (2) finalists in each division to the doping control station immediately after their division award ceremony. Each athlete:

  • must remain under the direct observation and supervision of a DCO at all times, from exiting the stage to completion of the sample collection process.
  • must proceed to the doping control station without undue delay.
  • may collect their personal belongings from the immediate backstage area.
  • may bring one gym bag containing their personal belongings inside the doping control station.
  • must proceed to the doping control station wearing posing attire.
  • may not bring food, liquid, or any other item, ingestible or otherwise, into the doping control station.
  • must place valuables, such as a wallet and cellphone, in their gym bag.
  • may be accompanied by an interpreter if language is an issue. The interpreter cannot bring any item into the doping control station except a wallet and cellphone and cannot accompany an athlete into the voiding area.

Step 2: You must verify your identity once you are inside the doping control station by presenting a piece of government-issued photo ID (e.g. driver’s license, passport) to the DCO. If you do not have photo ID, you may contact a witness to vouch for your identity. You may not leave the doping control station to contact a witness.

Step 3: You will be instructed by a DCO on the sample collection process. You must follow these instructions.

Step 4: You will select a sealed, sterile sample container (or kit with container) from a selection provided by a DCO. Unless stated otherwise, you must keep your sample container in your possession from the time you select it until it is sealed.

Step 5: The voiding process will be carried out as follows:

  • A same-sex DCO will accompany you into the voiding area (washroom).
  • You must enter the voiding area wearing posing attire and carrying your sample container. You are strictly prohibited from bringing any other item, including personal urination devices, into the voiding area.
  • Before voiding, the DCO will make a visual-only momentary check to ensure you are not using a device or method to provide an adulterated* urine sample. This does not require any adjustment to your posing trunks.
  • You will be instructed by the DCO to wash your hands prior to voiding. If so, you must use only water (no soap) and the sink/faucet indicated by the DCO.
  • You should start urinating into the toilet to clear the urethra.
  • Midstream, you should place your sample container into the stream to collect the sample.
  • When the required volume of urine is met, you should remove your sample container and finish urinating into the toilet.
  • You must secure your sample container lid tightly without touching its inside.
  • You must not flush the toilet (see note).
  • You must provide at least 30 mL (1 fl. oz.) of urine. If you cannot provide the urine sample in a single voiding, you must seal your sample container and try again until you produce at least the required minimum amount.
  • If you are dehydrated, you should consume no more than 2 x 500 mL of sealed bottled water, available in the doping control station.

*An “adulterated urine sample” is a specimen that has been deliberately manipulated or contaminated to prevent, mask, or interfere with the detection of prohibited substances.

*Note: Blue dye, often in the form of dissolvable tablets or powder, is added to toilet bowls and tanks during urine drug tests to prevent tampering. The dye turns the water blue. The primary purpose is to stop donors from using clear water from the toilet bowl or tank to adulterate (dilute) their urine sample.

Step 6: Using a urine temperature test strip, a DCO will measure the temperature of your urine sample within four (4) minutes of voiding, which must be 32-38° C (90-100° F). If your sample is not within this range, you will be asked to provide another sample.

Step 7: Once the DCO confirms the required sample has been provided, you must seal your sample container as instructed by a DCO. You may provide permission for a DCO to carry out this step. You must verify that the sample code number recorded on your sample collection form is the same sample code number affixed to your sample container. The laboratory analyzing the samples will normally provide the form. If the laboratory does not provide a form, a generic one is available at IFBB PRO Sample Collection Form.

Step 8: You must complete and sign the sample collection form, whether via print, fillable PDF, or application software program. A comment section allows you to list any prescription or non-prescription medication, supplements, or other substances you may have taken recently, as well as any remarks you may have regarding the sample collection process. A DCO will provide you with a printed or emailed copy of the form. Failure to sign this form is a doping offense.

*For additional information on IFBB Professional League natural contests, please visit IFBB PRO Natural Contest Rules.