New method of finding HGH could hurt urine test

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - A new test that provides a breakthrough in detecting human growth hormone in blood is expected to become available soon and make it more difficult for athletes to use HGH without getting caught.

It's a test some experts consider so good, however, it could blunt the push for the urine-based test sought by some in baseball and football, possibly stalling promising research that has already cost many thousands of dollars.

The new test, called a biomarkers test, scans the blood for chemicals the body produces after HGH use, which are detectable for up to two weeks. The test, expected to be available in the coming weeks or months, is a complement to — or maybe an improvement over — the current test, called an isoform test, which scans blood for synthetic HGH.

The isoform test detects synthetic HGH in the blood for only about 48 hours after use, making it easier for users to avoid detection.

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Congress could get involved if the NFLPA does not agree to a needle stick.

At a time when a former member of the U.S. Congress thinks the nation’s legislative body should squeeze the NFL and the NFLPA* into solving the lockout, two current members of Congress have penned a letter to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and NFLPA* executive director DeMaurice Smith requesting that pro football establish a “thorough testing program for HGH.”

Barry Wilner of the Associated Press reports that the letter was sent, and that Goodell issued a response on June 13. Goodell explained in the correspondence that HGH testing “is a critical element of an effective and credible drug testing program” and that the league wants “immediate implementation of HGH testing” in the next labor deal.

Goodell’s comments hardly represent a concession to Congress. In this regard, the NFL wants what the two members of Congress want. The question is whether the NFLPA* will agree to HGH testing, which currently can be accomplished only via blood sample.

And if the NFLPA* doesn’t, the next question becomes whether Congress will force the issue.

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And if the NFLPA* doesn’t, the next question becomes whether Congress will force the issue.

How? Unless the Feds are suggesting that every workplace start random testing for HgH, I just don't uinderstand why they would get involved in the CBA? (other than "suggesting" that the two sides reach a deal.