Anti-doping agency lifts Rio 2016 lab suspension

RIO DE JANEIRO - The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has lifted its suspension of Brazil's drug-testing laboratory earmarked for use at next year's Olympics.

The facility had its license revoked in 2013 after failing to meet WADA standards due to outdated equipment.

Wednesday's announcement comes after nine months of testing in which WADA sent samples to the laboratory for analysis, with results later scrutinized by the agency.

"This decision was made after the laboratory completed the required remedial work stipulated in the International Standard for Laboratories (ISL)," WADA spokesman Ben Nichols said.

The head of the Latin American and Caribbean office of WADA, Maria Jose Pesce, said that the agency will continue to monitor the facility.

"The pressure is on for Brazil ahead of the Rio 2016 Games," she said. "It is clear that the goal of WADA is to ensure the city has an accredited laboratory, but ultimately this depends on its performance.

"The will is there, but it needs work to pass through all the technical tests, which are very demanding and follow the standards of international laboratories."

Known as the Brazilian Doping Control Laboratory (LBCD/LADETEC), the facility was certified to analyze blood for athletes' biological passports by WADA in March.

Full accreditation will allow it to analyze samples during the Rio 2016 test events, which start in July.