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Published online 24 February 2006 | Nature | doi:10.1038/news060220-18

News

Bad blood

The possible use of illicit substances and practices such as blood doping have hung over this year's Winter Olympics in Turin. news@nature.com takes a look at what has been going on.

What has happened?

Blood tests of twelve cross-country skiers revealed abnormally high red blood cell counts, leading to 5-day suspensions and causing an uproar in the sports scene as athletes were unable to participate in their events.

Most of these athletes have already been cleared of any doping suspicions by further tests.

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