Updated

New York, NY (SportsNetwork.com) - The NBA and the National Basketball Players Association announced Thursday that blood testing for Human Growth Hormone (HGH) will start during training camp next fall.

All players will be subject to three random, unannounced HGH tests annually - two during the season and once in the offseason.

If a player tests positive for HGH, he will be suspended 20 games for his first violation and 45 games for his second violation, and he will be dismissed and disqualified from the NBA for his third violation.

Owners and players had agreed during collective bargaining negotiations in 2011 to determine a process for how HGH testing could be implemented. The league hasn't previously done blood testing.