Drug Testing Glossary
Chain of Custody
Chain of custody is the term that refers to the process of ensuring and providing documentation of proper specimen identification and handling from the time of collection to the receipt of laboratory results. If the results come under legal challenge, the specimen must have been handled according to chain of custody procedures exactly and accurately. The chain of custody protocol assures the specimen belongs to the individual whose information is printed on the specimen bottle label, no adulteration or tampering has taken place, exactly who had possession of the specimen and when, how the specimen was transported and stored before it was analyzed, no unauthorized access to the specimen was possible, and the specimen was handled in a secure manner.
Collection Site (Patient Service Center)
A facility where individuals present themselves for the purpose of providing body fluid(s) to be analyzed for specified controlled substances.
Collection Process
All specimen collections should be done utilizing a secured restroom. After the donor has removed any bulky objects and washed their hands they should choose a sealed specimen collection kit. All seals are removed in the donor's presence and the donor should then be asked to provide a urine specimen. Following the collection of donor's specimen the chain of custody form should be filled out and completed while the donor is present. After all the specimen bottles, chain of custody form, and specimen bags are sealed then the donor may be allowed to leave.
Department of Transportation (DOT)
The DOT is an operating administration of the United States administering regulations requiring alcohol and/or drug testing in accordance with 49CFR Part 40 of the federal regulations.
A DOT drug screen is a screen that tests a specimen for five types of drugs (Opiates, PCP, Amphetamines, Marijuana and Cocaine) A DOT-approved chain of custody form is used during the collection process, a split sample is collected, and both specimens are forwarded to the laboratory for testing. Once the laboratory completes the testing process the result is forwarded to the Medical Review Officer (MRO) for review. Following the MRO's review, results are reported to the designated reporting agency.
Drug Testing Policy
A well drafted policy outlines what type of testing will be conducted, the terms and definitions surrounding drug screening, and recourse for positive test results. A policy is also utilized to convey a strong message of zero tolerance towards drugs and alcohol in the workplace.
GC/MS (Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry)
GC/MS testing is considered to be the most definitive method for confirming the presence of a detected substance in urine. GC/MS is utilized to confirm test results that indicate any level of a controlled substance. When a laboratory suspects adulterants, dilution, or other sample abnormality, GC/MS will identify the exact chemicals compounds present in suspicious samples.
Medical Review Officer (MRO)
According to DOT regulations, all DOT drug screens must be reviewed by an MRO. Many states also require an MRO review. An MRO is a license physician with certification and experience with substance abuse diagnostic work. This service is also available for Non-DOT testing, if desired. During the MRO's review it may be necessary for them to contact and speak directly with the donor to verify any types of medication the donor has taken. The client will not be notified if this occurs and will only be notified when a test result is available.
Non-DOT Drug Screen
A Non-DOT screen is a screen that can test for a wide range of drug types. A standard five-panel would include testing for Opiates, PCP, Amphetamines/Methamphetamines, Marijuana, and Cocaine, but can be expanded to add additional drug categories such as Barbiturates, Benzodiazepines, Methadone, Methaqualone, Propxyphene, etc.
Post-Accident Testing
Testing of an employee who is involved in an on-the-job accident (vehicular or otherwise) which may have involved human error and may have caused a fatality, serious injury, or significant property damage.
Pre-Employment Testing
A candidate for employment must pass the drug and/or alcohol test as a condition of employment.
Random Testing
The testing of employees who are chosen for immediate testing randomly and without advance notice. Kroll recommends that clients familiarize themselves with applicable state laws; some states prohibit random testing while others restrict it to “safety sensitive" positions.
Reasonable Suspicion/Cause Testing
The "cause" required is an objective, factual, individualized basis for testing, such as when an employee's observed behavior or physical appearance suggests drug and/or alcohol use or possession of drugs and/or alcohol.
Return-to-Duty/Follow Up Testing
Depending upon employer policy and applicable regulations, employees who fail a drug test may be required to undergo one or more return to duty drug tests before being allowed to return to the job. Follow up testing may be required for a period of time thereafter.
SAMHSA
Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (formerly NIDA, National Institute of Drug Abuse) is the department of the federal government that regulates and certifies laboratories currently processing DOT specimens. Laboratories with the SAMHSA certification are also available to test Non-DOT samples. These laboratories confirm all positive drug screen samples by GC/MS testing.