Drug Testing Terms and Definitions
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.
D.O.T. (Department of Transportation):
The Department of Transportation 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.
D.O.T. Drug Screen:
A D.O.T. drug screen is a screen that tests a specimen for five drugs (Opiates, PCP, Amphetamines, Marijuana and Cocaine) A D.O.T. 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 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 M.D. with a history of 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. Who is qualified to act as an MRO?
Non-DOT Drug Screen:
A Non-DOT screen is a screen that can test for a wide range of drugs such as; Opiates, PCP, Amphetamines/Methamphetamines, Marijuana, Cocaine; which is considered a 5-panel drug screen. This can be expanded upon by testing for the above five drugs and adding Barbiturates, Benzodiazepines, Methadone, Methaqualone, Propxyphene; which is considered a 10-panel drug screen. A urine alcohol (ethyl) can be added to either panel if desired.
Patient Service Technician:
A designated person trained in specimen collection procedures who insures that 1) donors are identified correctly, 2) chain of custody protocol is strictly followed, 3) donors’ 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 possible.
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. 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:
The testing of employees who 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. InfoLink manages clients’ random testing at no additional fee, but recommends that clients familiarize themselves with their state law; 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 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:
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.
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.
D.O.T. (Department of Transportation):
The Department of Transportation 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.
D.O.T. Drug Screen:
A D.O.T. drug screen is a screen that tests a specimen for five drugs (Opiates, PCP, Amphetamines, Marijuana and Cocaine) A D.O.T. 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 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 M.D. with a history of 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. Who is qualified to act as an MRO?
Non-DOT Drug Screen:
A Non-DOT screen is a screen that can test for a wide range of drugs such as; Opiates, PCP, Amphetamines/Methamphetamines, Marijuana, Cocaine; which is considered a 5-panel drug screen. This can be expanded upon by testing for the above five drugs and adding Barbiturates, Benzodiazepines, Methadone, Methaqualone, Propxyphene; which is considered a 10-panel drug screen. A urine alcohol (ethyl) can be added to either panel if desired.
Patient Service Technician:
A designated person trained in specimen collection procedures who insures that 1) donors are identified correctly, 2) chain of custody protocol is strictly followed, 3) donors’ 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 possible.
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. 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:
The testing of employees who 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. InfoLink manages clients’ random testing at no additional fee, but recommends that clients familiarize themselves with their state law; 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 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:
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.
posted by David @ 3:25 PM
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