The World Anti-Doping Agency has confirmed that it will launch an investigation into claims of widespread doping in athletics.
A joint report from The Sunday Times and German broadcaster ARD/WDR recently claimed that there had been cheating at the highest level of the sport for over a decade.
It is alleged that a third of all medals won in endurance events at the Olympics and World Championships between 2001 and 2012 were by athletes with suspicious tests, and that seven British athletes recorded suspicious results.
The International Association of Athletics Federations has slammed the allegations, describing them as "sensationalist and confusing".
"WADA is committed to protecting the confidentiality of athletes; and, therefore, has asked its Independent Commission to commence its investigation with urgency," president Sir Craig Reedie said in a statement. "We are confident that the IAAF, which has formally agreed to full cooperation with the Commission with respect to its inquiries, is equally committed.
"WADA deplores the manner in which this data was obtained, leaked to the media and analysed. To suggest or imply doping with respect to any athlete whose data is contained within the database is, at the very least, irresponsible and potentially libellous.
"I ask that any athlete, or anti-doping organisation, concerned that their rights are being eroded or inappropriately challenged refer those concerns to the Commission, which intends to commence its work immediately."
More than 800 athletes have been accused of posting suspicious blood test results.
