The method for detecting a new designer steroid at the centre of the latest doping scandal in athletics is being sent to IOC-accredited laboratories throughout the world, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) says.

The distribution of the test for tetrahydrogestrinone (THG) means 30 laboratories will be able to test for the latest sophisticated doping device as anti-drugs crusaders step up the fight against cheats.

The discovery of THG has struck at the heart of athletics, the central sport of the Olympics less than a year before next year's Games in Athens.

The United States Anti-Doping Agency, which discovered the drug after a tip-off, said its discovery has sparked the largest ever drugs bust in athletics.

USADA said last week that "several" American athletes have tested positive for the steroid.

"We have strong belief there are international athletes involved as well," USADA Chief Executive Officer Terry Madden said from his offices in Colorado Springs, Colorado on Wednesday.

European sprint champion Dwain Chambers was on Wednesday named by the British media as having tested positive for the steroid, a charge the athlete's coach denies.

"STRONG MESSAGE"

One of Britain's best hopes for a gold medal at next year's Olympic Games, Chambers allegedly failed a test for the newly discovered drug which, until last week, was thought to be undetectable.

Traces of the drug were found in a urine sample that the European 100 metres champion and record holder provided during an out-of-competition test at his training base in Saarbrucken, Germany, on August 1, the Guardian newspaper reported.

A test for the substance was developed by the laboratory at the University of California, Los Angeles, after a tip-off from a high-profile coach in early June, USADA said.

The test will shortly be a part of regular doping screening conducted by all accredited laboratories, WADA said on Wednesday, and USADA will forward to the accredited laboratories later this week reference samples of THG.

"We commend the UCLA lab for moving quickly not only to identify this substance, but also for making sure the other laboratories have access to this test as quickly as possible," WADA director general David Howman said.

"This sends a strong message that there will be no delay in catching those who cheat or who believe they can stay one step ahead of the system. It is also a good example of how important the sharing of knowledge in the scientific community can be to stop doping."

"SIGNIFICANT STEP"

Howman also commended the international sports federations and national anti-doping agencies that have indicated they may retest previous samples stored in laboratories for THG.

"WADA strongly encourages all bodies responsible for testing to review their internal processes and protocols to see whether currently stored samples can be analysed for this 'new' substance," he said.

The International Olympic Committee said the joint efforts of anti-doping bodies is a "significant step" in the fight against drug cheats.

"The revelations demonstrate that in the joint efforts undertaken by sports bodies around the world, new ground has been broken in the fight against doping," said a statement released on Wednesday.

"This fact is welcomed by the IOC and is seen as a significant step that clearly could have far-reaching consequences. It must be stressed, however, that at this stage the issues at hand are a matter for the relevant national and international sports federations, though of course, the IOC will follow progress closely.

"What is important is that anyone found not playing by the rules is aptly dealt with and that this comes to demonstrate that doping in sports will not be tolerated.

"The IOC in co-operation with the IOC-accredited laboratory will make all efforts to have this new drug tested for during the next Olympic Games in Athens."

The International Association of Athletics Federations said on Tuesday it would re-test all urine samples from the Paris world athletics championships in August.