Second-generation blood tests to detect erythropoietin abuse by athletes.

The ability of the new models to detect rHuEPO administration was generally higher than that of our previous models, particularly during phases when low doses of rHuEPO were used, and after injections had ceased. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS. The increased stability of the new blood parameters facilitates transport of samples to central laboratories, and the heightened sensitivity of the new models makes them better than existing models for federations wishing to screen samples for urine testing and to identify and target suspect athletes for out-of-competition testing. However procedures should be incorporated that respect an elevated model score caused by genetic, health or environmental circumstances.