The Fake Natural Trap: How Is Real Doping Tested and Why Are Blood Tests Insufficient?

About the Author

IFBB PRO COACH CAN ÜNAL is one of the most experienced IFBB Pro League coaches in Turkey and Europe.He is not only a figure on stage but a visionary who builds systems and careers behind the scenes, working with science rather than false perceptions.

For years, he has managed the:

• Training programs,

• Drug and supplement protocols,

• Blood test interpretations,

• Post-doping recovery processes,

• Competition week loading/unloading strategies,

• And long-term nutrition routines of truly natural athletes.

Can Ünal is not just a “program writer” in this field; he is a mentor who:

• Knows how to balance drug use and nutrition,

• Has unraveled how many well-packaged but fake systems operate,

• Has expertise in anti-doping systems from IRMS testing to biological passports,

• And knows how to increase performance with ethical values.

His purpose in writing is not only to expose doped athletes but to take a clear scientific stance against deceiving and misleading young athletes with manipulative games.

Real success is achieved not only by appearance but by knowledge, discipline, and transparency.

Can Ünal has shaped the careers of hundreds of athletes so far. Now, he continues to raise the voice of truth behind the stage lights.

Introduction

In today's fitness and bodybuilding world, as social media reaches larger audiences, perception management has also become professional. Thousands of young people get motivated by influencers saying, “I'm natural, look, my blood tests are clean,” but most do not know the background of these truths. Are they really natural, or just well concealed?

In this article, I will explain how doping detection is done, what IRMS testing is, why saying “my blood test is clean” is not enough, and what difficulties exist in having this test done as an individual.

What is IRMS Testing?

The Scientific Way to Distinguish Synthetic and Natural Hormones

1. Introduction: Is Everyone Who Says “I’m Natural” Really Natural?

In modern sports, doping is applied not only with physical strength but also with knowledge, timing, and manipulation. Many athletes say “I’m natural” on stage but consciously deceive their bodies by taking external testosterone, growth hormone, or EPO.

Blood tests often come back normal because:

• Microdosing is used,

• Testing times are carefully controlled,

• Hormones are temporarily normalized with Post Cycle Therapy (PCT).

So how do we reveal the truth behind these manipulations?

The answer: IRMS testing.

2. What is IRMS Testing?

IRMS, or Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry, is a very sensitive analytical method that measures the ratio of carbon isotopes within a substance to determine its origin — whether it is natural or synthetic.

Simply put:

• The body produces natural testosterone → This hormone has a specific carbon isotope (C13/C12) ratio.

• Synthetic testosterone (used as drugs) is generally derived from plants → It has a different carbon isotope composition.

IRMS detects this difference with millimetric precision.Even if your blood or urine testosterone level is "normal," it can definitively distinguish whether it came from your body or an external source.

3. How is IRMS Testing Performed?

A. Sample Collection

• Usually, urine is collected; sometimes blood samples may be added.

• Samples are sealed in two bottles (A and B).

• Sent to a WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) accredited laboratory.

B. Initial Step: Steroid Profile Analysis

• The testosterone to epitestosterone ratio (T/E ratio) in urine is measured.

• If the T/E ratio exceeds 4:1, suspicion of doping arises.

C. IRMS Application

• Steroid metabolites are isolated using special techniques.

• The C13/C12 isotope ratios of these substances are analyzed.

• If this ratio does not match the natural values measured from the athlete's body tissues → Result: Synthetic substance has been used.

4. Why is IRMS So Important?

The Only Truth a Doping Athlete Cannot Hide:

The carbon isotope profile cannot be faked.Neither microdosing, timing, nor PCT can bypass this test.

It Busts the “Clean Blood Test” Lie:

• The T/E ratio may appear normal.

• Testosterone levels may seem between 400-600 ng/dL.

• But IRMS says:

  “This testosterone does not belong to your body.”

5. Where is IRMS Testing Performed?

Only at WADA-Accredited Laboratories:

This test is extremely sensitive and expensive. It is only conducted by international anti-doping laboratories such as:

Country	Laboratory
Germany	Cologne Doping Laboratory (Deutsche Sporthochschule)
France	LAD Paris
Switzerland	Swiss Laboratory for Doping Analyses (Lausanne)
UK	King’s College London – Drug Control Centre

Can it be Done in Turkey?

No.There is no WADA-accredited IRMS testing laboratory in Turkey.Samples collected through the Turkish Anti-Doping Commission (TADA) are sent abroad to WADA laboratories.

6. Can an Individual Get an IRMS Test?

Short answer: No.

Detailed explanation:

• This test is only conducted within the scope of doping control.

• An individual cannot simply request, “I want an IRMS test.”

• Sample collection, transport, ethical approval, and lab acceptance involve strict security protocols.

• Additionally, the test cost is high (between 500 and 1500 Euros).

But what can be done?

• It can be requested through federations or courts.

• Some overseas university labs accept individual cases under special circumstances.

• Samples can be collected in Turkey and sent abroad officially via courier.

7. Substances Detected by IRMS

Target Substance	Detection Method
Testosterone	C13 isotope ratio analysis
DHT derivatives	Metabolite + isotope analysis
Oral anabolic steroids	Special metabolite combinations
Epitestosterone manipulation	T/E ratio combined with IRMS

8. Speaking the Truth with IRMS

Many bodies marketed as “natural” today display biologically impossible development.Muscle mass, fat ratio, and performance levels do not match blood test values.At this point, IRMS test data is the scientific final word.

No excuse, no timing adjustment, no PCT can fool this test.

Conclusion

IRMS testing is the most powerful tool that prevents hidden doping methods and reveals the truth scientifically.However, its application depends on special protocols.Therefore, the phrase “my blood test is clean” is not enough to clear doping accusations.

Athletes must adhere to ethical values, young people should not be deceived, and the knowledge and demand of systems like IRMS testing are essential to prevent the distortion caused by fake “natural” illusions.