The Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit (HIWU) has suspended the Pennsylvania Equine Toxicology and Research Laboratory’s (PETRL) probationary accreditation under the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority’s Equine Analytical Laboratory (HEAL) program for at least six months. This suspension follows findings of noncompliance with HEAL standards by HIWU’s independent laboratory expert group. As a result, samples from Pennsylvania racetracks, including Parx Racing, Presque Isle Downs, and Penn National Race Course, are now being sent to Industrial Laboratories in Colorado for analysis. PETRL’s accreditation will only be reinstated once it fully complies with HEAL requirements.

The HEAL accreditation program, launched on January 1, 2025, is a national standard overseen by HIWU to ensure rigorous quality and integrity in anti-doping and medication control testing for horseracing. HIWU continues to review PETRL’s corrective actions and will publicly disclose any impacts on resolved or pending cases related to the Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) program. The suspension underscores HIWU’s commitment to maintaining high laboratory standards to protect the integrity of horse racing.