What is blood striping?

Blood striping, also known as blood doping, is an illegal performance-enhancing technique in sports. It involves increasing the number of red blood cells in the bloodstream to enhance endurance and delay fatigue during physical activities.

Blood doping can be done through various methods such as blood transfusions, erythropoietin (EPO) injections, and blood substitutes. It is primarily used in endurance sports such as cycling, running, and cross country skiing.

Although it can provide athletes with a significant competitive advantage, blood striping can also pose serious health risks. Increased red blood cell count can thicken the blood and lead to heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots.

As a result, blood doping is prohibited by most sporting organizations, and athletes caught using the technique face severe penalties including disqualification and suspension.