Testing procedure foolproof

Of course, there is a possibility of human error in examining the urine samples taken from Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) players to determine if they’re drug users. But the margin of error is insignificant or almost zero, affirmed Dr. Socorro Yanez of the Department of Health (DOH).

The other day, Dr. Yanez explained, in detail, how DOH agents–in cooperation with PBA representatives–extract urine samples from players and how the tamper-proof, coded containers of positive specimen are sent to the Philippine National Police (PNP) laboratory for confirmatory examination.

There are agents double-checking the integrity of the procedure during the entire process, she guaranteed. From the labeling of the container to the extraction of the sample to the preliminary examination using a pre-testing kit to the delivery of the specimen for final analysis in the PNP laboratory.

Dr. Yanez said samples couldn’t be switched because they’re labeled and coded under the DOH’s strict supervision. And the examination couldn’t be faulty because the procedure is high-tech and unassailable.

In the event of an appeal for re-testing, Dr. Yanez said the DOH is prepared to accommodate. Two samples were extracted from each donor–one was tested and the other, placed in a sealed container. The other sample may be tested, upon request, to determine if the finding corresponds with the result of the originally tested specimen. The first sample may also be re-tested. Dr. Yanez assured that the samples are kept in a freezer to preserve their "shelf-life" which could extend to a year.

Dr. Yanez disclosed that in the mandatory testing for the 10 PBA teams, there were three samples that initially tested positive for marijuana using the DOH’s pre-testing kit. The samples were turned over to the PNP for confirmatory analysis and the results came out negative. Of the nine specimens that tested positive for methamphetamine sent to the PNP for confirmatory examination, only one was found to be negative. That left samples of five players and three utility personnel–eight in all–determined to be positive for dangerous drugs. One of the three utility personnel is a former PBA player.

The PNP examiners are not aware of whose specimen they are testing because of the DOH’s strict coding procedure.

Dr. Yanez said she vouches for the integrity of the drug-testing methodology.

There is evidence that the testing procedure works because Red Bull’s Jimwell Torion, who tested positive for shabu, admitted taking the methamphetamine. However, there is no evidence that the testing procedure doesn’t work because no player found to be positive for drugs has successfully disproved the finding on his specimen.

On the matter of mistaking a legal substance for a methamphetamine, Dr. Yanez said it’s possible that a faulty detection may occur in the preliminary testing stage using the DOH kit. A substance like ephedrine–an "upper" which is an ingredient in a cold medicine–may trigger a positive finding in the pre-testing kit. But in the PNP laboratory, Dr. Yanez said substances like ephedrine are canceled out.

PBA commissioner Noli Eala said it pained him to announce the results of the mandatory drug test, which the Board of Governors had approved to once and for all address the growing menace.

In the National Basketball Association (NBA), a public announcement is made if a player tests positive for illegal drugs because the fans have the right to know why a player is stricken off the roster and not allowed to play. No announcement would only trigger speculation, which is more harmful to the player in the long run. A public disclosure isn’t meant to denigrate a player but to be transparent in dealing with the drug problem. The NBA does not disclose the substance for which a player tested positive.

The PBA players who tested positive for methamphetamine will be subject to reevaluation at the end of the Asian Invitationals in September. They should neither be ridiculed nor ostracized. If they undergo rehabilitation and test negative in future tests, they should be welcomed back in the PBA like prodigal sons.

Talk ‘N’ Text’s Noli Locsin is a unique case because his contract expires in July. So when he’s up for reevaluation, he won’t have a contract to fall back on.

San Miguel Beer’s Dorian Pena won’t be reevaluated until after a year because he has twice tested positive for marijuana in random examinations. That a more severe penalty than in the NBA which only slaps a succession of five-game suspensions for repeated marijuana users.

For hard drugs like methamphetamines, the NBA is a lot harsher than the PBA. The NBA slaps an automatic ban and the player is considered for reactivation only after two years. In the case of the eight PBA players (including the three from random examinations) who tested positive for methamphetamine, they will have been out from four to five months if reactivated in September.

Eala said the PBA’s doors are open to suspended players who ask for a re-test. It is within their right to dispute the findings. I wonder how many will step up and request for a re-test. Considering Dr. Yanez’ elaborate explanation of the testing procedure, it isn’t likely that a re-test will yield a conflicting result.

In sum, 10 players have been found to be positive for marijuana or methamphetamine since the start of the PBA’s drug crackdown. That’s less than 10 percent of the player population in the league. In the NBA, the crackdown has netted a much larger percentage of users among its players. The numbers indicate that both pro leagues recognize the reality of the drug problem in our society and are doing something about it.

Eala said now that the mandatory testing is finished, the league can move forward with a clean slate. He added that the PBA will not stop tracking down drug users and random testing will continue. It’s all about preserving the integrity of the league and sending a strong message that the PBA does not and will never tolerate drug use.