Changes to WADA's international standard for intelligence and investigations have been published ©Getty Images

A change related to the requirement for urine samples to meet a specific gravity for analysis will be applied during next year's Olympic Games in Tokyo, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has confirmed.

The alteration to WADA's international standard for testing and investigations (ISTI) will come into force prior to further revisions to the document, approved by the global watchdog's Foundation Board in November.

Under the change, the minimum volume of urine required for analysis will remain at 90 millilitres.

But if an athlete can provide 150ml or more of urine, the minimum specific gravity measurement - using a refractometer - will be lowered to 1.003 or above, instead of the current 1.005 or above.

WADA is hopeful the changes will mean athletes spend less time in doping control ©Getty Images
WADA is hopeful the changes will mean athletes spend less time in doping control ©Getty Images

The specific measurement will remain the same if an athlete provides a sample with a volume greater than 90ml but less than 150ml.

"Athletes who provide a sample with a specific gravity measurement lower than the above measurements will be required to continue to provide a sample until they reach a suitable specific gravity measurement," WADA added in a statement.

WADA claim the revisions to the ISTI will have benefits for athletes at major events as they will spend less time at a doping control station.

They will make the process "more athlete-friendly, while presenting a potential saving in resources for Anti-Doping Organisations", WADA added.