The reliability of the HGH test remains a problem for most professional sports organizations. Testing for HGh has been in use in the Olympics for years already but many are still questioning its validity. Athletes and some health experts contend that it can return a false positive. This is now the argument of German cyclist Patrick Sinkewitz whose case is to be elevated in the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS).

A and B sample Both Positive for HGH

Patrick Sinkewitz was tested at the GP di Lugano. According to the UCI, the German cyclist’s samples both returned positive for human growth hormone. The UCI considered it as a milestone development since the case of Sinkewitz is the first in professional cycling. UCI spokesman Enrico Carpani said a few months ago that the positive test result for HGH is a big step in the fight against doping. The sport organization has been fighting for clean competition and established stringent drug testing program such as the biological passport program.

Many cyclists were already caught by the UCI because of this anti-doping program. Most of them were involved in the use of anabolic steroids and illegal conditioning methods like blood transfusions. The most popular steroid for cyclists, the EPO, can be easily detected by current tests. However, anti-doping officials know that they have not totally eradicated cheating in sports since there are many cyclists who use HGH but they still pass the drug tests.

HGH Hard To Detect

But the detection of HGh still remains shady. An interview of the Cycling News on Dr Martial Saugy of the WADA accredited laboratory in Lausanne revealed that there are no major changes in the methods used in detecting HGH. “The detection methods haven’t really changed or improved since 2007 and we’ve always been stunned to find so few positive tests,” he said. Saugy also said that the detection window for HGH use is very short which only range from 8 to 24 hours.

Sinkewitz used Steroids in the Past

The German cyclist is determined to clean his name. He told the media that it would be very difficult to prove that he is innocent but he will continue to fight for fair treatment. Sinkewitz was already caught using steroids in the past and served a 1-year suspension. He tested positive for testosterone and later admitted that he also used EPO and underwent blood transfusions.

Suspension Must be Overturned

Sinkewitz’ lawyer told the cycling news that they will ask the court to overturn the decision of the UCI. “Legal action will be taken against the International Cycling Union in the Court of Arbitration for Sport,” said Rainer Cherkeh, the cyclist’s lawyer.

Cherkeh argued that there is an excessive difference in the reference values of the A and B samples. Separate analysis of the samples also returned different results said the lawyer. “The scientist and HGH expert working for us showed clearly and in detail that there is not scientifically sure validation data.”

He also questioned the UCI for not providing his client with details and lab documents which would help them validate the results. Another argument that they want to point out in CAS is the reliability of the testing kits used. According to Cherkeh these kits might be used only for research. And finally, he claimed that Patrick Sinkewitz never used any artificial HGH and there was no evidence that he really used the prohibited substance.

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