The Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit has suspended the Pennsylvania Equine Toxicology and Research Laboratory’s probationary Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority Equine Analytical Laboratory accreditation status for a minimum of six months. Effective immediately, samples collected in Pennsylvania are being sent to Industrial Laboratories in Colorado for analysis.
PETRL was one of four HIWU-accredited laboratories in the United States and was responsible for analyzing samples collected at the Pennsylvania racetracks of Parx Racing, Presque Isle Downs, and Penn National Race Course.
HIWU’s independent laboratory expert group, which evaluates the performance of Anti-Doping and Medication Control Program laboratories, recommended the suspension of PETRL’s probationary HEAL accreditation due to nonconformities associated with HEAL compliance. HIWU, in consultation with its laboratory expert group, will review PETRL’s response to this suspension and associated corrective actions. Probationary accreditation status will not be restored unless and until the laboratory is in full compliance with HEAL.
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HIWU’s review of PETRL is ongoing, and any impact on resolved or pending ADMC program cases will be publicly disclosed, HIWU indicated.
The HEAL accreditation program was implemented Jan. 1, 2025, and is the national laboratory accreditation program established by the ADMC program. Overseen by HIWU, it builds on the foundations of the ISO 17025 and Racing Medication & Testing Consortium models and requires a robust external quality assessment scheme to ensure that Program laboratories maintain HEAL standards.
