Three More Laboratories Receive RMTC Accreditation April 30, 2014

Twenty-Three States Now Using RMTC-Accredited Laboratories

The Horseracing Testing Laboratory Committee of the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium (RMTC) has approved full accreditation of three laboratories under the RMTC Laboratory Accreditation Program. The newly accredited laboratories are: 

• Industrial Laboratories in Wheat Ridge, Colo.
• Ohio Department of Agriculture laboratory in Columbus, Ohio, and
• Truesdail Laboratories in Tustin, Calif.  

RMTC-accredited laboratories are responsible for the testing of samples for 23 of the 34 racing jurisdictions in the United States, including AR, AZ, CA, CO, DE, ID, IN, KY, MA, MD, ME, MN, ND, NE, NJ, NM, NV, OH, OK, OR, VA, WA and WY. With the addition of these three laboratories there are now a total of five laboratories that are fully accredited by the RMTC – the UC Davis Kenneth L. Maddy Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory and the LGC Sports Science Laboratory were accredited in 2013. 

“We applaud these laboratories for expending significant time and resources to achieve compliance with the RMTC Laboratory Accreditation standards for expertise and proficiency,” said RMTC Chair Alex Waldrop. “RMTC Accreditation is built upon protocols established by the World Anti-Doping Agency – the gold standard in human competition.”

“While the goal remains to have 100% of the laboratories that are testing horse racing samples RMTC-accredited, we are encouraged by having the majority of racing jurisdictions working with RMTC-accredited laboratories,” said Dr. Dionne Benson, executive director and COO of the RMTC.

Each laboratory receiving RMTC Accreditation has first been ISO 17025 certified, which is the international standard for analytical laboratories. Additionally, they must:

• Submit an application which is reviewed by an independent auditor;
• Successfully complete a multi-day laboratory site inspection with an internationally recognized expert in the field; and
• Pass two rounds of the RMTC External Quality Assurance Program proficiency sample testing, which measures the ability of the laboratory to identify, detect and quantify (where appropriate) substances of concern in horse racing.

“We are gratified by the news of RMTC’s accreditation of our horseracing laboratory,” said Truesdail Laboratories Director Dr. Norm Hester. “We extend a formal "Thank You" to RMTC for recognizing us as compliant with their high standards for testing and allowing us to join the ranks of the relatively few organizations that share their approval. We are thrilled to be part of their goal of having 100% of racing laboratories accredited to their comprehensive requirements.”

“Industrial Laboratories is honored to have achieved RMTC Accreditation, and we thank our staff for their wonderful work,” said its director of drug testing services, Petra Hartmann. “Our laboratory looks forward to working with the RMTC and other industry partners for positive changes in the field of pari-mutuel drug testing – which will ultimately strengthen the integrity of the sport and protect the health and welfare of horses and jockeys.”

The RMTC consists of 23 racing industry stakeholders and organizations that represent Thoroughbred, Standardbred, American Quarter Horse and Arabian racing. The organization works to develop and promote uniform rules, policies and testing standards at the national level; coordinate research and educational programs that seek to ensure the integrity of racing and the health and welfare of racehorses and participants; and protect the interests of the racing public.

For additional information, visit the RMTC website at rmtcnet.com or contact Hallie Lewis, RMTC director of communications, at (859) 224-2848.

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