HGH Testing For MLB Players Soon | IXGAMES

The MLB’s drive for HGH testing is steadily gaining momentum. This development happened after Terry Newton’s suspension because of having positive blood test results for the performance-enhancing drug. The British rugby player is the first athlete to be suspended for HGH use. For years, Major League Baseball has been funding research on finding a reliable blood test for HGH testing. While the validity of the test that caught Newton remains arguable, the fact that he didn’t challenge the results means that the test actually caught him. MLB’s testing plans It has been reported recently that the MLB is rushing to implement a blood-testing program at the minor league level during the 2010 season. Rob Manfred, labor lawyer for the MLB, confirms that there have been discussions on the legalities and logistics of such a move. He adds that Newton’s suspension has added to increasing the pace of the discussions. Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig wants implementation on testing minor league players to be done immediately as this does not require union consent. However, sources present during the discussions say that the likely timeframe would be random testing among minor league players during the 2010-11 off-season, and in-season testing at the minor and major leagues in 2011. Questions on HGH test’s  scientific validity At present, the levels of reliability for HGH testing is still not enough for the World Anti-Doping Agency and various sports’ ruling bodies to allow strict implementation. Thus, it is widely suspected that HGH is highly used across all sports since athletes can use it without the fear that often comes with steroid use. While blood testing for HGH has improved over the years, it can only produce positive findings within a time frame of 18 to 36 hours after usage. Adding to the hurdles of implementation is the stance of the Major League Baseball Players Association that they will only consent to HGH testing if it is done through urinalysis instead of blood tests. The players’ union will only consider blood tests if it is scientifically reliable. Michael Weiner, MLBPA’s executive director, says that some scientists in the testing community dispute the validity of the blood test that caught Newton. MLBPA’s continuous efforts to address HGH blood testing issues In a statement issued after Newton’s suspension, the MLBPA pointed out that inherent in blood testing are concerns on safety,  health, competition, and fairness, issues which are not present in urine testing. The statement further announces that the MLBPA has talked to the commissioner’s office about this. MLBPA also agrees to continue on exploring the various aspects of HGH blood testing, which includes its effectiveness, scientific validity, possible complications, and availability. As a matter of fact, MLB has funded for years studies on the validity and effectiveness of HGH testing.