What Does Blood Collection Officer (BCO) Mean?
A blood collection officer (BCO) is a trained phlebotomist responsible for collecting blood specimens from athletes on different occasions to ensure they remain drug-free. Specialized to the athletic industry, workplaces that fall under anti-doping policies of sports regulating agencies may need to employ a blood collection officer. A BCO can also perform auxiliary capacity tasks such as administering and collecting urine specimens on an “as-needed” basis or conducting administrative roles. A BCO can execute blood testing on athletes prior to competitions, during training sessions, or even at an athlete’s home in accordance to world anti-doping agency (WADA) international standards.
WorkplaceTesting Explains Blood Collection Officer (BCO)
A BCO plays a huge role in ascertaining the integrity of athletes who undergo blood testing on a regular basis. It is also the responsibility of the BCO to maintain a secure and sensitive position during blood testing. For instance, some athletes may be subject to particular phobias, such as fear of blood and/or needles. A BCO must treat the athlete with empathy, offering reassurance in an effort to subdue their nervousness while relating detailed instructions about the procedure. A BCO collaborates with other doping control personnel, coordinating protocol in line with anti-doping organizations and international federations, to uphold confidentiality of independent athletes and sports teams.
