HISA unit suspends Pennsylvania lab for 'nonconformities'
The Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit suspended the Pennsylvania Equine Toxicology and Research Laboratory’s probationary Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority equine analytical laboratory accreditation status for a minimum of six months, effective July 8.
Effective immediately, samples collected in Pennsylvania are being sent to Industrial Laboratories for analysis.
HIWU’s independent laboratory expert group, which evaluates the performance of program laboratories, recommended the suspension of PETRL’s probationary HEAL accreditation because of nonconformities associated with HEAL compliance. HIWU, in consultation with its laboratory expert group, will review PETRL’s response to this suspension and associated corrective actions. Probationary accreditation status will not be restored unless and until the laboratory is in full compliance with HEAL.
HIWU’s review of PETRL is ongoing, and any impact on resolved or pending anti-doping and medication control program cases will be publicly disclosed in accordance with program rules.
The HEAL accreditation program was implemented on Jan. 1 and is the national laboratory accreditation program established by the ADMC program. Overseen by HIWU it and requires a robust external quality-assessment scheme to ensure that program laboratories maintain HEAL standards.