World Athletics has approved the introduction of cheek swabbing to determine if an athlete is biologically female.

The global body's president Sebastian Coe says the decision is further evidence his organisation will protect the women's category in competition.

The intention is to have the testing in place for September's world championships in Tokyo.

Former Olympian and Otago University Emeritus Professor Dave Gerrard says the science behind the proposed tests is solid - and it's a reliable testing method.

"It's used in common medical practice for genetic issues - and to determine the sex of individuals. So it's sound, and it is sound science." 

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