Australian anti-doping investigators have been secretly checking athletes' medical records for any evidence of performance-enhancing drug use in the lead-up to the Beijing Olympics, News Limited reports.

In an unprecedented move, the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) has cross-referenced athletes' names with prescription records held by Medicare.

ASADA chairman Richard Ings confirmed to News Limited that the investigation had taken place but refused to say how many athletes were involved, how the information was able to be shared or what action would be taken for any breaches.

Ings said ASADA had to go beyond just testing athletes and would work with any agency or organisation to crack down on drugs in sport.

"Testing alone just scratches the surface," he said.

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