Adverse analytical finding with trimetazidine after ingesting contaminated melatonin tablets sold in pharmacies... leading to the suspension of the athlete.

  • Published In: Clinical Chemistry & Laboratory Medicine, 2026, v. 64, n. 2. P. e34 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Alvarez, Jean-Claude; Kintz, Pascal; Etting, Isabelle 3 of 3

Abstract

The article discusses the case of a high-level female tennis athlete who tested positive for trimetazidine (TMZ), a banned substance, following an adverse analytical finding (AAF) in her urine. Despite her claims of not taking TMZ, hair testing showed no traces of the substance, indicating probable acute contamination. The investigation revealed that the athlete had ingested contaminated melatonin tablets purchased from a pharmacy in Poland, which were confirmed to contain TMZ. The article highlights inconsistencies in doping sanctions by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), particularly in cases of contamination from medications versus dietary supplements, and calls for clearer guidelines to ensure fair treatment of athletes. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:Clinical Chemistry & Laboratory Medicine. 2026/01, Vol. 64, Issue 2, pe34
  • Document Type:Letter
  • Subject Area:Sports and Leisure
  • Publication Date:2026
  • ISSN:1434-6621
  • DOI:10.1515/cclm-2025-1185
  • Accession Number:190572881
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