An athlete's years of practice are always ruined by a single anti-doping process if found guilty of consuming banned substances.
What happens after the tests are conducted is usually a nerve-wracking and career-defining moment.
Once an athlete is found to have breached an anti-doping rule, they are notified by email and in writing.
They can also be notified through their respective National Federation.
If the tests were done through an anti-doping control test, athletes can be present at the sample testing upon their request.
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If the results of the B sample confirm the A sample, one is given a chance to try to explain the adverse analytical finding.
If the tests were through the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP), the athletes have the right to present all evidence to support their explanation for the anomalies.
An athlete who has violated the anti-doping rules is informed of the duration and terms of his ban.
After being issued a ban, one is expected to repay all the money earned through competitions at the time of and after the test.
According to the Athletics Integrity Union (AIU), athletes are advised to be careful with what they consume as they are responsible for what is found in their bodies.
“As an athlete, you are solely responsible for whatever is in your body at all times our advice is simple,” the AIU statement reads.
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Permanently banned substances include (but are not limited to): hormones, anabolics, EPO, beta-2 agonists, masking agents and diuretics.
Also banned at all times include methods such as blood transfusion or manipulation and intravenous injections in some situations.
Substances prohibited only in a competition include but not be limited to stimulants, marijuana, narcotics and glucocorticosteroids.