USADA Introduces New Oral Fluid Testing Program To Be Used On UFC Fighters

The United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has launched a new testing program using oral fluids that will reportedly improve the UFC’s drug testing efforts. This new program, which was implemented in December of last year, which can detect illegal substances within hours of the oral fluid being tested.

USADA issued the following on the new test via their website:

New Testing Method: Oral Fluid Collections

Dedicated to innovation in anti-doping, USADA is introducing oral fluid testing, a pain-free, non-invasive collection experience that is being piloted both in and out-of-competition in the UFC Anti-Doping Program. This testing method is safe, reliable, and can be administered anywhere.

Collecting samples through the pilot program is critical to validating the sample collection process and analytical methods, as well as securing athlete feedback. World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)-accredited laboratories and other global anti-doping partners will also play an integral role in evaluating and adopting these revolutionary new technologies for programs and athletes worldwide.

Starting on December 11, 2019, all UFC athletes, regardless of location, are subject to oral fluid testing. In preparation for your first oral fluid testing experience, here are answers to some of the questions you might have about the new collection method. You can also find a step-by-step guide demonstrating the collection process.