HOUSTON -- Steroid testing for high school athletes may start as soon as students get back from spring break. Though no one thinks steroid use is rampant on area campuses, no one wants to take chances.

Administrators point to stories of high school athletes, in other cities, who have died after using steroids. They said that’s why this random testing is so important.

The state signed off on the testing in recent months, and though it hasn’t started yet, there are signs it may sometime after spring break.

Twenty-three percent of high school athletes are expected to be tested statewide.

And even if no one in Houston tests positive for steroid use, the school district hopes the test will act as a deterrent.

“A lot of kids have to realize that getting that education, first, is the most important thing,” HISD Athletic Director Daryl Wade said. “There are not many kids that are gonna play on a professional level, and so they need to take care of their lives and their bodies first.”

There are some 22,000 high school athletes in Houston alone.

The district said the test is worth it -- even if all you save is one life.