Allegations that Pistorius, who has been charged with premeditated murder, has used steroids first emerged last week in the wake of his arrest. [.....]
The [police] have not confirmed from a forensic perspective if indeed the substance is what the detective claims it to be, said Khalid Galant, chief executive of South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport.
If any of the substances found are indeed established to be banned in sport, SA Institute for Drug-Free Sport will evaluate the evidence within the context of the anti-doping laws of sport. This evaluation will only occur after the criminal case has concluded. [.....]
Testosterone is an anabolic steroid administered either orally or through injection. It helps increase muscle size, strength and power as it copies the effect of testosterone that occurs naturally in the body. Depending on the amount taken, it remains in an athlete's system from anything from one day to three months. Floyd Landis is reported to have failed a test for testosterone in the 2006 Tour de France.
While the drug regime surrounding the London Games was the most comprehensive in Olympic history, those involved in the anti-doping agencies stress
it is not in competition testing that is the key to catching dopers. Doping regimes have become increasingly sophisticated -
most doping occurs out of competition - and in the case of testosterone what is called micro-dosing has become common, taking small amounts that make it easier to avoid a positive test.
Last summer Victor Conte, the man behind the Balco scandal, was in London claiming that there is little point in testing athletes during the summer when competition is in full swing,
rather the focus has to be out of competition because that is when the majority of doping takes place. [.....]
Testosterone occurs naturally in the body
but if an athlete has four times the accepted normal amount, it is deemed to be a doping offence.
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/...r-pistorius-contain-testosterone-8502857.html