1. Notification The testing officer approaches the sportsman to be tested and shows them his UK Sport accreditation. He informs them that they have been chosen to undergo a random drugs test. From this point on they must have the official with them at all times, until the test is complete - even if they have media interviews to do or a medal ceremony to attend.

2. Acceptance The sportsman signs the Sample Collection Form. He gives his name, the event he has been competing in and an address for notification of the test results.

3. In doping control Inside the designated doping control area, the athlete selects a pot to hold their urine sample. They are given a choice of at least three pots.

4. The sample Having washed their hands, the athlete takes the pot and produces the sample. Their midriff and genitals must be clearly visible so the testing officer can see the urine going directly from body to pot.

5. Sealing the sample The athlete takes a fresh lid from a selection offered by the testing officer and seals the sample.

6. Measurement There must be at least 75 millilitres of urine for the sample to be valid. If the athlete cannot produce enough in one go, the test is put on hold until they can.

7. Sample box The athlete is asked to choose from a selection of sealed sample boxes. While the testing officer dons rubber gloves, they check the seal is unbroken.

8. Sample bottles Inside the box are the red 'A' and blue 'B' sample bottles. Checking that the seal is unbroken, the athlete tears open the cellophane packaging.

9. Sample split In full view of the tester, the athlete then re-opens his sealed urine sample and pours equal amounts into the 'A' and 'B' samples. He leaves a small amount of urine in the original pot.

10. Testing the seal The athlete screws lockable lids onto the two sample bottles. The bottles are turned upside down to make certain there is no leakage.

11. Checking The tester takes the remainder of the sample and checks it to make sure the specific gravity (concentration) and pH (acidity) are within the agreed limits. If the athlete has drunk too much water, the urine may be too weak to be tested. The tester would then have to wait a few minutes and ask for a fresh urine sample.

12. Declaration The sportsman is asked to declare if they have taken any medication in the last seven days, and if so, what product, when and how much. Even a household drug like paracetemol must be included.

13. Signing The athlete signs the form having been asked to double-check all the information on the form, from the time and date of test to his or her own name, address and event. Copies are then sent to UK Sport, the athlete themselves and their national and international governing bodies.

14. Final details The tester fills in a Chain of Custody form, which states the number of samples, whether they are in or out of competition, the sport and the sport's governing body. The samples are identifiable only by a barcode - there is no reference whatsoever to the athlete's identity.

15. Packaging The testing officer puts the samples in a courier bag and seals it in full view of the athlete and another UK Sport official. They are then either couriered to the accredited lab or taken there directly by the tester.