Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 44, November 2, 2024
Section 401.25 - Storage of split samples(a) In accordance with § 401.24 (relating to primary sample collection) the blood, urine or other biological samples previously taken and designated as split samples shall be stored and maintained in a locked freezer in the test barn until an owner or trainer requests that the split samples be tested in accordance with the Commission's procedures.(b) The freezer for storage of split samples shall be opened only for depositing or removing split samples, review of inventory or for checking the condition of the split samples. A log shall be maintained by the Commission Veterinarian or the Commission investigators and an entry shall be made each time the split sample freezer is opened to indicate the following: (1) Persons in attendance;(2) The purpose for opening the freezer;(3) Identification of split samples deposited or removed;(4) The date and time the freezer was opened or when was closed;(5) Verification that the lock was secured prior to and after opening of the freezer; and(6) Evidence of a malfunction, if any, of the split sample freezer.(c) At all times, the Commission shall be considered the owner of the split sample.(d) If the results of the split sample testing do not substantially confirm the findings by the Commission testing laboratory of the primary sample, the Commission will not consider the sample to constitute a prima facie violation of this chapter and no penalty will be imposed.(e) If the Standardbred or Thoroughbred Bureau Directors declare a positive test based upon the reported findings of the Commission testing laboratory, it shall be considered to be a prima facie violation of the applicable provisions of this chapter and written and dated notification of the positive test shall be made to the trainer of record for the tested horse. The trainer shall be solely responsible to notify the owner of the horse of the positive test.(f) Within 48 hours after receiving written notification of the positive test, the owner or trainer of the horse in question may request that the split sample be tested. The Commission may provide a form for a request which must be signed and dated by the owner or trainer. Failure by either the owner or trainer to make a timely request within 48 hours of notice of the positive shall constitute a waiver of the right to have the split sample tested. The findings of the primary sample by the Commission testing laboratory shall be deemed conclusive at any subsequent hearing.(g) Upon application by the trainer or owner of the horse in question, the split portion of the sample taken shall be tested by a duly accredited laboratory designated and approved by the Commission under the minimum standards set forth in § 401.29 (relating to split sample testing laboratory minimum standards).(h) If the Commission is unable to secure the services of a specific laboratory with the proper accreditation or testing methods to test the split portion of a sample, the Commission will have the option of having the split sample retested at the laboratory which tested the original sample. The owner and trainer affected will be notified by the Commission.(i) If an act of God, power failure, accident, strike or other action prevents a retest from being made which is beyond the control of the Commission, the results of the primary official test shall be accepted as prima facie evidence.