WADA confirmed it had revoked the accreditation of the facility for a maximum period of four months on Thursday (April 21).

It will be prohibited from carrying out WADA related anti-doping activities, including the analysis of urine and blood samples, while samples from the facility are required to be transported securely to another WADA-accredited laboratory during the period of suspension.

The news of the Beijing laboratory’s suspension sent shockwaves through China as it had passed every test in the past 27 years since it was established in 1989.

The laboratory is now required to take five remedial steps highlighted by the WADA’s Disciplinary Committee in its recommendation, while they must also address non-conformities identified by the External Quality Assessment Scheme (EQAS) programme.

It appears unlikely they will appeal the suspension to the Court of Arbitration for Sport though they are able to do so within 21 days of the notification of their revoked accreditation.

Xu told China's official news agency Xinhua that technical errors were behind WADA’s decision and promised they will take the necessary steps to ensure the laboratory is re-accredited as soon as possible.

He claims they are confident that they would pass any future WADA inspection.

“We reported two false negative results in WADA's technical test last year,” said Xu.

“WADA will suspend the accreditation of a lab up to six months if it reports two false negative results in tests within a year.

“The problem took place because we failed to follow WADA's latest technique requirements and there were oversights in reviewing the analysis.

“Our lab now can meet WADA's latest technique requirements.

“We will apply for a WADA inspection and try to be reinstate the lab's accreditation as soon as possible.”

The news came following concerns over doping in Chinese swimming after six athletes from the country failed drugs test, announced by the Chinese Swiimming Association (CSA) late last month.

Wang Lizhuo and An Jiabao were given warning penalties by the CSA after they failed drugs tests for anabolic steroid clenbuterol. 

They controversially avoided a suspension, despite testing positive, and were back competing the next week.

Zhao Ying has also tested positive for the substance but has yet to receive his punishment.

The other three swimmers to have recently failed tests have not been named.

In a statement sent to Xinhua, WADA spokesperson Ben Nichols insisted the revocation of the Beijing lab’s accreditation was not connected to the spate of doping cases in Chinese swimming of late.

“The suspension of the Beijing laboratory is not connected with the recent allegations concerning doping in Chinese swimming," he said.

"All 34 WADA-accredited laboratories worldwide face stringent and ongoing quality assessment by WADA.

“As the Beijing laboratory failed to meet the requirements set by WADA under the International Standard for Laboratories, we decided it was necessary to suspend the laboratory for a period of up to four months."

"It is crucial that the laboratory meets the standards expected, so that athletes and sport at-large can have confidence in the anti-doping system.”