Terms and Definitions & Helpful Links
Terms and Definitions
Chain of Custody
”Chain of custody” is 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 Process
All specimen collections should be
performed using a secure restroom. After the donor has removed any bulky
objects and washed their hands, he or she should choose a sealed specimen
collection kit. All seals are removed by the technician in the donor's
presence, and the donor is then asked to provide a urine specimen. Following
the collection of donor's specimen, the chain-of-custody form is filled out and
completed while the donor is present. After all of the specimen bottles, the
chain-of-custody form, and the specimen bags are sealed, the donor is allowed
to leave.
Collection Site (Patient Service Center)
This is a
facility where individuals present themselves for the purpose of providing body
fluid(s) to be analyzed for specified controlled substances.
DOT (Department of Transportation)
The U.S. Department of
Transportation is the governmental agency that administers regulations
requiring drug and/or alcohol testing in accordance with 49 CFR Part 40 of the
federal regulations.
Drug Screen—DOT
A DOT drug screen tests a specimen
for five drugs—opiates, PCP, amphetamines/ methamphetamines, marijuana and
cocaine. A DOT-approved chain-of-custody form is used during the collection
process, and a split sample is collected and both specimens are forwarded to
the laboratory for testing. Once the laboratory completes the testing process,
the results are forwarded to the Medical Review Officer (MRO) for review.
Following the MRO's review, results are reported to the designated reporting
agency.
Drug Screen—Non-DOT
A non-DOT drug screen can test
for the same range of drugs as the 5-panel DOT screen—opiates, PCP,
amphetamines/methamphetamines, marijuana and cocaine. It can be expanded into a
10-panel drug screen by testing for the above five drugs and adding
barbiturates, benzodiazepines, methadone, methaqualone and propoxyphene. A
urine alcohol (ethyl) screen can be added to either panel if desired.
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 used to
convey a strong message of “zero tolerance” toward 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 used 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 chemical compounds present in suspicious samples.
Medical Review Officer (MRO)
An MRO is a licensed M.D.
with a history of substance abuse diagnostic work. According to DOT
regulations, all DOT drug screens must be reviewed by an MRO. Many states also
require an MRO review, and this service is available for non-DOT testing, if
desired. During the MRO's review, it may be necessary for him or her to 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.
Patient Service Technician
A patient service technician
is the designated person trained in specimen collection procedures who ensures
that (1) donors are identified correctly, (2) the chain-of-custody protocol is
strictly followed, (3) the donor’s dignity is preserved, (4) no sample is
adulterated or diluted during collection, and (5) donors and clients receive
the best possible evidentiary collection and testing service.
Post-Accident Testing
This refers to testing an employee
who is involved in an on-the-job accident (vehicular or otherwise) that 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. Testing can be
performed as part of the application process: (1) before an offer of employment
is made, (2) as a part of the hiring process after an offer of employment is
made but before the employee commences work, or (3) shortly after the
individual begins work but continued employment is contingent upon successful
completion of the drug and/or alcohol test.
Random Testing
Random testing means the employees are
chosen on a "neutral selection" basis without advance notice. True random
testing is conducted by pooling a selected amount of numbers determined by the
client from the total number of qualified participants' numbers in the random
pool.
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 Testing
Employees returning from a leave
of absence for sickness or injury exceeding a given number of days can be
required to submit and successfully pass a drug and/or alcohol test as a
condition of reinstatement.
SAMHSA
SAMHSA, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Services Administration, is the department of the federal government that
regulates and certifies laboratories currently processing DOT specimens.
Laboratories with SAMHSA certification are also available to test non-DOT
samples. These laboratories confirm all positive drug screen samples by GC/MS
testing.