– Przeprowadzamy przecież badania włosów. Kiedy przyjmiesz daną substancję, utrzymuje się ona we krwi przez około 24 godziny. W moczu przez dwa lub trzy dni. W przypadku niektórych produktów utrzymuje się nieco dłużej, około dziesięciu dni. Ale we włosach jest przez cały czas i kiedy ktoś bierze doping, dodatkowo się kumuluje. Jeśli jesteś ofiarą skażonego produktu, masz bardzo małe dawki, które nie wystarczą, aby utrzymać się we włosach. A Iga Świątek nie miała nic we włosach, zero! – podkreśla Jean-Claude Alvarez. Link w komentarzu.

– Przeprowadzamy przecież badania włosów. Kiedy przyjmiesz daną substancję, utrzymuje się ona we krwi przez około 24 godziny. W moczu przez dwa lub trzy dni. W przypadku niektórych produktów utrzymuje się nieco dłużej, około dziesięciu dni. Ale we włosach jest przez cały czas i kiedy ktoś bierze doping, dodatkowo się kumuluje. Jeśli jesteś ofiarą skażonego produktu, masz bardzo małe dawki, które nie wystarczą, aby utrzymać się we włosach. A Iga Świątek nie miała nic we włosach, zero! – podkreśla Jean-Claude Alvarez.

Link w komentarzu.

**Title: The Role of Hair Testing in Anti-Doping and Its Implications for Athletes: A Focus on Iga Świątek’s Case**

In the world of sports, ensuring fair play and maintaining the integrity of athletic performance are top priorities. As part of the anti-doping efforts, athletes undergo various tests to detect banned substances. One of the most reliable methods for detecting drugs and performance-enhancing substances over an extended period is hair testing. Jean-Claude Alvarez, an expert in the field of anti-doping, sheds light on how hair testing works and its significance in identifying doping offenses. He also clarifies a critical point concerning the detection of doping substances in the case of Polish tennis star Iga Świątek.

### The Science Behind Hair Testing

Jean-Claude Alvarez emphasizes the importance of hair testing in detecting doping substances in athletes. According to Alvarez, the presence of a drug in the bloodstream typically lasts for about 24 hours. It is possible to detect substances in urine for 2 to 3 days, and in some cases, up to 10 days. However, hair testing offers a much longer window of detection, as substances remain in the hair for extended periods, potentially for months. This makes hair testing one of the most effective ways to identify long-term or repeated use of banned substances, especially when a person has been taking drugs over a prolonged period.

The process works by analyzing small samples of hair, which retain traces of drugs that have entered the bloodstream. The hair shaft essentially records a timeline of exposure to various substances, making it a valuable tool for anti-doping authorities to investigate an athlete’s history of substance use.

### Why Hair Testing is Crucial

Hair testing not only detects current drug use but also provides a cumulative record of drug consumption over time. If an athlete has been using doping substances for an extended period, traces can accumulate in their hair, making it easier to identify repeated use. In contrast, substances in the blood and urine typically clear out much faster, which means hair testing offers a broader, more reliable perspective on an athlete’s drug use history.

This is particularly important in the case of athletes who might be using drugs intermittently or in cycles, as even a single use of a banned substance could leave a long-term trace in the hair. For those who rely on doping for performance enhancement, the cumulative effect in hair samples can be a key factor in proving guilt.

### The Case of Iga Świątek: A Clear Conscience

Alvarez brings attention to the case of Iga Świątek, the Polish tennis sensation, emphasizing that she has tested clean when it comes to hair samples. According to him, Świątek had “zero” traces of doping substances in her hair, and this result was significant in demonstrating that the athlete has maintained an exemplary record of clean competition.

He highlights an important point regarding the potential for “contaminated products” in the world of sports. Sometimes, athletes can inadvertently consume trace amounts of banned substances due to the use of contaminated supplements or other products. In such cases, the traces would be too small to show up in hair tests, meaning that the athlete would not be guilty of intentional doping. In Świątek’s case, there were no traces found in her hair, confirming her clean status.

### The Dangers of Contaminated Products

Alvarez also mentions the potential risks athletes face when using supplements or other products that may be contaminated with trace amounts of banned substances. If the contamination is minimal, it might not be detectable in hair samples. However, if the substance is present in higher concentrations or has been used over a longer period, it can accumulate in the hair and become detectable.

For athletes, these contaminated products pose a significant challenge, as they may unknowingly consume banned substances. While hair tests can help detect such cases, they also show the importance of vigilance when it comes to selecting the right supplements and products. This is why athletes must be cautious and ensure they only use trusted, tested products to avoid risking their careers and reputations.

### Conclusion

Hair testing plays an essential role in anti-doping efforts, offering a more long-term and accurate method for detecting performance-enhancing drugs in athletes. Jean-Claude Alvarez’s explanation underscores the effectiveness of this testing method, particularly when it comes to identifying repeated use of banned substances. He also highlights Iga Świątek’s clean record, showing that despite the challenges of doping accusations, the Polish tennis star has maintained an unblemished reputation in terms of doping control.

As the world of sports continues to prioritize fair competition and integrity, understanding the science behind hair testing and its role in anti-doping efforts remains critical. Athletes, trainers, and officials must all be vigilant and ensure that only clean, untainted athletes compete, for the benefit of the sport and the athletes themselves.