Doping Detection through Haematological Parameters and D-dimer Levels amongst Athletes and Sports Administrators in Ibadan, Southwestern Nigeria

BACKGROUND: The haematology module is an important component of the Athlete Biological Passport, which is being used by World Anti-doping Agency in doping detection. This module consists of complete blood count (CBC) parameters, which are measured in a longitudinal manner and deviation from the established pattern may indicate doping. There is a paucity of data on CBC parameters in Nigerian athletes. AIMS: The aim of this study, therefore, was to measure and analyse CBC parameters in a group of athletes and sports administrators in Ibadan, southwestern Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study of 144 athletes and sports administrators in a training centre was undertaken. A closed-ended structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic data, and samples were taken for CBC and D-dimer assay. The participants' blood samples were taken after a training session. CBC, reticulocyte count and D-dimer were run. OFF-hr score was calculated and values >125. 0 were considered to suggest doping. CBC parameters were compared between both genders using Student's t-test. Significance value was set at P ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: The athletes had relatively higher lymphocyte counts than neutrophil counts. The group OFF-hr score shows that the majority (134/154, 87.6%) had normal range values, while 5 (3.3%) had values >104.6. None of the participants had a score >125.6, which indicates doping. D-dimer level was comparable between both genders, but the median value (1.3, interquartile range: 3.4 µg/L) was significantly higher than that of the control sample