The Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit directed the Pennsylvania Equine Toxicology and Research Laboratory to modify its instrumentation and methodology for total carbon-dioxide content testing to mass spectrometry so that it is consistent with HIWU’s three other rogram laboratories.

PETRL already has transitioned to this methodology, which is also independently endorsed by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities.

In the interest of fairness to horsemen, all pending total carbon-dioxide content cases originating in Pennsylvania have been withdrawn.

HIWU began its review of PETRL’s procedures in response to a disproportionately high number of reports of elevated total carbon-dioxide content levels from the laboratory and worked with horsemen’s representatives throughout this process. HIWU first undertook a comprehensive assessment of testing documentation and laboratory processes at PETRL before asking the Kenneth L. Maddy Equine Analytical Laboratory at the University of California Davis to conduct an administration study to compare the findings reported by the Program laboratories.

The Pennsylvania Equine Toxicology and Research Laboratory is a Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority anti-doping and medication control program laboratory

PETRL’s instrument, a clinical blood gas analyzer, and related methodology had been used and accepted as valid by the horse racing industry to regulate total carbon-dioxide content for years prior to the implementation of the ADMC program, and HIWU found no evidence of laboratory error or instrument failure by PETRL. However, the data from the administration study indicated that PETRL’s results did not correlate with those of the three other laboratories, which all used an instrument and methodology, mass spectrometry, different from PETRL’s.

In response, HIWU has issued a new mandate for mass spectrometry to be adopted as the industry standard for total carbon-dioxide content analysis confirmation. This method is used to analyze virtually all other substances regulated under the ADMC Program.

Regarding the Pennsylvania cases, Because of the accelerated degradation of total carbon-dioxide content samples compared to other analytes, HIWU could not send previously analyzed samples to other program laboratories to compare the results. For cases that have already been resolved, HISA offered to return purse money, refund fines, notify Equibase to remove the disqualifications, and remove penalty points from the affected trainers’ records. Purse money that has already been distributed by racetracks in relation to these cases will not be affected.

“The discovery of inconsistencies in total carbon-dioxide content testing across Program laboratories and HIWU’s subsequent responsibility to establish harmonization among them represent the benefits of a national ADMC program,” said Ben Mosier, executive director of HIWU. “Unlike under state-based regulatory structures, our Program laboratories are in ongoing communication to discuss and compare methods. This collaboration is what enabled us to identify and resolve discrepancies in total carbon-dioxide content testing despite the longstanding validity of the methods and instruments being used.”

“I commend HIWU for taking action in response to the high rate of total carbon-dioxide content findings at PETRL and ultimately facilitating the harmonization of total carbon-dioxide content testing among Pennsylvania and other states,” said Jeffrey A. Matty, Jr., executive director of the Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association. “Ben and his team listened to our horsemen’s concerns and were in ongoing communication with us while the laboratory was reviewed. We’re also appreciative of HISA for their decision to offer to withdraw sanctions imposed for cases that have already been resolved.

“This process represents an example of how a national, uniform system helps horsemen and how we, HIWU, and HISA can work together for the benefit of the entire industry.”

Evaluation of testing at Program laboratories is ongoing to ensure consistency and fairness in results reporting. HIWU has implemented HISA Equine Analytical Laboratory accreditation as of Jan. 1. HEAL accreditation includes a robust Equine Quality Assurance Scheme sample program.