You’re wrong. The B sample is not a “formality”. The B sample is the only sample that matters.
It’s not because of the infallibility of the test.
You’re still wrong.
Not a second opinion. The result of the B sample is the only result that matters.
Science fiction. Or junior high lunchroom musings.
This entire thread is what’s wrong with the message boards. The opinions of idiots can get legitimized and become a truth of their own. All of the above posts is wrong.
The purpose of an A and B sample is to provide proof that the chain of custody hasn’t been broken and to provide expediency of the testing procedures along with proper due process for those who would test positive.
When an athlete provides a blood or urine sample it is split into two portions, A and B. Each of those samples is sealed in the presence of the athlete. Each sample is assigned a specific identifying code which is logged into a journal. The athlete signs the log, the identifying code is affixed to the sample package and sealed and signed by the athlete. The athlete is given a receipt with the code numbers. The Doping authority (WADA) has possession of the log. The samples are then sent to a certified laboratory for testing.
Lets say you had 1000 urine samples. The lab tests them and 8 of them are “positive”. WADA then matches up the code with the logs and notifies the athlete and the athlete’s federation.
The athlete then has two choices. He/she can issue a mea culpa and say “ya got me”, or he/she can say it’s not correct and I want to be present for the B sample. The B sample is not to verify the result of the A sample it is to provide the athlete assurance that the chain of custody hasn’t been broken and to give the athlete or his representative the opportunity to be present to make sure the testing procedure is done correctly. The B sample is Game, Set and Match.
Chain of custody verification. Has the B sample package seal been broken? If it is, the athlete goes free regardless of the result of the A sample. Procedural laboratory verification. Again, if the athletes representatives can provide a compelling argument that the testing procedure of the B sample wasn’t done correctly the athlete also goes free.
Now imagine a WADA policy that relied on only one test. For each of those 1000 samples to be tested you’d have to allow all 1000 athletes to verify and view the testing. The logistics, costs, and massive inconvenience for all involved would be impossible to manage.