Blood doping

Blood doping, also known as erythropoietin (EPO) doping, is a form of cheating in sports where an athlete uses substances or methods to increase their red blood cell count, thereby enhancing oxygen delivery to their muscles and improving endurance performance.

Methods:

1. EPO injections: Synthetic EPO is injected to stimulate red blood cell production.

2. Blood transfusions: An athlete's own blood is withdrawn, stored, and then re-infused to increase red blood cell count.

3. Blood manipulation: Techniques like altitude training or hypoxic tents mimic high-altitude conditions to stimulate natural EPO production.

Effects:

1. Increased oxygen delivery to muscles

2. Enhanced endurance performance

3. Improved recovery

Risks:

1. Stroke and heart attack

2. Blood clots and thrombosis

3. Kidney damage

4. Cancer risk

5. Detection and penalties, including bans from competition

Detection methods:

1. Urine tests for EPO

2. Blood tests for abnormal red blood cell counts

3. Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) monitoring

Anti-doping efforts:

1. World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) regulations

2. International sports federation rules

3. National anti-doping organizations

4. Education and awareness programs

Remember, blood doping is a form of cheating that can have serious health consequences. Clean sport and fair play are essential values in athletics.