The NFL and its players' association have agreed tougher drug-testing measures from next season.
They include increasing the number of random tests and adding blood-boosting agent erythropoietin (EPO) to the league's list of banned substances.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said: "These latest improvements will help ensure that we continue to have a strong and effective programme.
"As in the past, we will review and modify the policy on an ongoing basis."
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell
The number of players randomly tested each week during the pre, regular and post-seasons will increase from seven to 10 per team, bringing the total number of tests conducted annually to 12,000.
The NFL will begin testing for EPO, which is used to increase the production of oxygen-rich blood cells, aiding endurance recovery from injury.
There will be no increases in the playing penalties for players caught using performance-enhancing substances.
They remain set at a four-game ban for first-time offenders and a one-year suspension for a second positive test.
Players will face tougher financial penalties, however, forfeiting a portion of their signing bonuses if banned for violating the steroid or substance abuse policy.
The NFL also said it would donate $500,000 to the UCLA Olympic testing laboratory and other researchers for the development of new methods to detect human growth hormone.
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