Ian Thorpe said his reputation had been permanently tarnished by the leaking of a report saying he was under investigation for a doping test.

Although doping and swimming officials have confirmed there is no suggestion that he failed the test, Thorpe said the damage had already been done.

"I am deeply alarmed that information about my test result was leaked to the press before I was informed of it," the Australian said.

Thorpe said the publication of his name was a breach of his privacy and the basic principles of justice.

"The obligations of confidentiality that are owed to me under the WADA Code are meant to protect the reputations of innocent people from being damaged by speculation while the routine results management processes are being undertaken," he said.

Thorpe said he was confident he would be cleared of any wrongdoing but was concerned about the implications and the breakdown in protocol.

"This is a serious issue not only to me but to all athletes," he said.

"We put a lot of confidence into this testing procedure and to know that information can be leaked is a serious breach of what we sign up for."

Thorpe, who retired from swimming last year, said he did not know who was responsible for the leak but was suspicious that it coincided with the World Championships in Australia.