Immuno Assay (IA) This test involves certain antibodies that will attach themselves to specific drugs or it detects illegal substances through the metabolites they produce through their contact with the body. The reliability of the test is down to the antibody that is chosen as it could attach itself to something that is similar to but not an illegal substance, indicating an incorrect result.
This though does not happen very often and very few false positive results come about. Certain decongestants and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have lead to these false positive results so if you are aware that immunoassay is to be used as a test, then you should avoid using the previous drugs mentioned on the run up to an event.
Types of Immunoassay: The two most commonly used IA techniques at present are Radio immunoassay (RIA) and fluorescence polarisation immunoassay (FPIA). RIA is used in the detection of certain 17-alpha-methyl, 17-alphaethyl, and 19-nortesterone anabolic steroids. The enzyme Multiplied immunoassay technique (EMIT) is the easiest to perform; so if you aren't sure which of the tests will be administrated, concentrate on beating EMIT. If you dont beat the EMIT test, then you will most likely be given the extremely sensitive GC/MS test, just as confirmation.
PharmChek: This is a form of patch which is worn for about a week or so and will absorb your sweat and consequently detect any possible illegal substances contained in it. You cannot tamper with the patch and it is not currently known how accurate the test results really are.
TestCup: There isn't much known about this test either, but it basically involves a specially designed cup which is used to take urine samples. It possesses an indicator which will change colour depending on which substances are found present.
Beating the Most common Test -the EMIT: This is pure mathematics really as if you know which test is going to be used for a relevant drug, and knowing the period of time that can lapse before that test is not effective. You then stop using that drug in time for an event so that the level present in your body will not be detected.
Here below are the detection times for certain drugs: Drug Approx. Detection time in urine using EMI Amphetamines 2 to 4 days, Clenbuterol 2 to 4 days - detectable at 0.5ng/ml by GC/MS Nicotine No reliable data. Quite a long time as nicotine is fat soluble. Peptide hormones (like insulin, g/hormone and IGF-1), non detectable Anabolic steroids Oral steroids: 2 weeks and Injectable: 1 month.
Important Note 1: The previously stated clearance times are not accurate for everybody as it all depends on each individual and how long their body takes to get the drug out of their system. They are good rough estimates...
Important Note 2: Steroids can also be tested for by HPLC, RIA and GC/MS as well as EMIT. To be able to pass a GC/MS or HPLC test make sure you allow more time for your body to clear the drug than in an EMIT test. Every drug can be tested for by GC/MS but just remember that drug clearance times differ from person to person.
Important Notes 3/4 for THE DREADED DECA: This steroid can still be detected in the body up to 18 months after your last shot. The good new is that there is no known test for the use of growth hormone or insulin, so you can go on using it right up till the same day of the event without getting caught.
One way to speed up the removal rate of any drug from your system is easy. You just have to speed up your metabolism by training harder with weights so you end up killing 2 birds with one stone to get stronger. If it's fatty soluble drugs that you need to dilute quicker you should train harder with aerobic type exercises which will increase the breakdown of fats in the body, removing the stored drugs from their fatty stores.
You should also try and take on more calories by introducing additional daily meals to increase your metabolism and drug clearance rate. The correct method will all depend on the drugs you have taken and what you really want to achieve at your next event. If you would like to read more have a look at the mickhartblog where you will find the very best advice for body-building related matters.