The WADA 2026 Prohibited List & Technical Updates
As of January 1, 2026, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has implemented new standards to keep pace with "invisible" doping methods. Key modifications include:
Carbon Monoxide (CO) Ban: The non-diagnostic use of carbon monoxide—previously used to artificially stimulate red blood cell production—is now a prohibited method (M1.4).
Organelle Doping: The list now explicitly prohibits the use of normal or genetically modified cell components, such as mitochondria and ribosomes, to boost cellular energy or protein synthesis.
Dried Blood Spots (DBS): A new technical document (TD2026DBS) streamlines the use of "finger-prick" testing, making it easier to collect and store samples out-of-competition with a mandatory minimum storage period of six months.