DRUG cheats beware. Just in time for the Sydney Olympics, Australian
researchers have developed a blood test for the illicit sports drug
erythropoietin (EPO), which can boost performance in endurance events such as
running and cycling. Researchers are now racing to validate the test so that it
can be used at the games.
EPO increases the body’s production of red blood cells, which carry oxygen to
muscle. A synthetic version of the hormone was originally developed to treat
severe anaemia. Some sportsmen and women use it illegally as it can increase
performance by 10 per cent or more. But there…
