Key role for Swiss in Olympics doping checks

Swiss scientists are testing blood samples during the Turin Olympics on behalf of the World Anti- Doping Agency (WADA), Swiss Radio International reported on Monday.

The tests form part of the more than 1,000 checks for banned substances being carried out during the Games.

While urine samples are being analyzed by Italian experts, scientists at the Lausanne-based doping analysis laboratory are responsible for blood testing on athletes. In total 50 analysts will work night and day on the samples.

The Swiss team, led by Martial Saugy, is based at a Turin hospital center and is working closely with an Italian laboratory.

The Swiss laboratory is attached to the Lausanne University institute for forensic medicine.

Saugy said the fact that his team had been asked to analyze tests showed that their reputation in the field had been established.

"It is recognition of the work carried out over a number of years by our laboratory," the biologist told reporters.

Source: Xinhua