The World Anti-Doping Agency suspended the accreditation of the Brazilian Doping Control Laboratory in Rio de Janeiro just six weeks before the Olympic Games.
Because of the sanction, athletes' samples being examined for drugs and performance-enhancing substances will be sent out of the Games' host nation. The lab can be restored to use if, WADA officials said Friday, it is "operating optimally."
The suspension was issued Wednesday because of, the agency said, "a non-conformity with the International Standard for Laboratories."
It is the latest negative impact on Rio and Brazil ahead of the Summer Games.