Lab Processes for Adulterated Specimens
The Department of Health and
Human Services (DHHS) laboratories have experienced an increased number
of adulterated urine specimens that have been submitted for USDOT
mandated drug tests. Individuals are adding products to their specimens
during the collection process that prevent laboratories from
reconfirming the presence of a drug/metabolite in the split specimen
following a verified positive result in the primary specimen.
In response to this practice, on March 9, 1998, DHHS
issued a notice to DHHS certified laboratories and Medical Review
Officers informing them of the practice and instructing them to test the
split specimen for adulterants any time the split specimen test is
unable to reconfirm the positive result from the primary specimen’s
analysis. If an adulterant is found in the split specimen, the primary
specimen must also be tested for adulterants. If adulterants are found
in either specimen, the information must be documented on the Federal
Custody and Control Form and the MRO must report a “Refusal to Test” to
the employer.
If no adulterant is found in the split, and the second
laboratory is unable to reconfirm the presence of the drug/metabolite in
the split specimen, both the primary and the split tests must be
canceled.Adulterated Primary Specimen Constitutes Test
Refusal
In the instance where a
laboratory analysis of the primary specimen identifies the presence of
an adulterant, the Medical Review Officer must immediately report the
finding to the employer, not the employee.
The identification of an adulterant should not be
considered a positive test result because the analysis cannot be
completed. The adulterant masks or destroys the presence of drugs and
therefore, the existence of these substances cannot be measured. The
identification of an adulterant in the primary specimen, however,
constitutes a test refusal which requires the immediate removal of the
employee from his/her safety-sensitive position and referral to a
Substance Abuse Professional. The employer may also invoke other
consequences consistent with its substance abuse policy.
If an adulterant is identified in the primary specimen,
the employee does not have the right to request that the split specimen
be tested.
Updated List of Labs
The most up-to-date list of
DHHS certified labs can be obtained by calling (301) 443-6014 or through
the internet at http://www.health.org.
The most current conforming products list for Evidential Breath Testing
devices (EBT’s) and non-evidential testing devices can be found at
www.faa.gov/avr/aam/drug/adaplc.htm. These lists should be reviewed
to make sure you are using qualified vendors and equipment to perform
your FTA-required testing.
Trade Associations Source of Information
Although the FTA does not endorse any trade
association or organization, FTA applauds any exchange of information
that will assist in the improved quality of testing services. The
following is a list of organizations that can help transit agencies find
testing services
- National Association of Collection Sites at (703)
548-0901 or
www.collection-sites.org
- American Association of Medical Review Officers
at (919) 489-5407
- American Society of Addiction Medicine at (301)
656-3920
- American College of Occupational and
Environmental Medicine at (847) 228-6850
|
Where to Find? .....
Part 40 Amendments, Con’t.
July 16, 1996
Federal Register Vol.6
Pages 37015-37017
Primary Topic: Use of Labs Outside the U.S.
July 17, 1996
Federal Register Vol.61
Pages 37222-37224
Primary Topic: Expansion of SAP Definition
July 19, 1996
Federal Register Vol.61
Pages 37693-37700
Primary Topic: Insufficient Specimen Conforming Products List Evidential
Breath Testing (EBT) Devices
February 27, 1998
Federal Register Vol.63
Primary Topic: Conforming Products List (CPL) Note: This list will be
updated periodically. Non-evidential Testing Devices
August 15, 1995
Federal Register Vol.60
Pages 42214-42215
Primary Topic: Initial Alcohol Screening Devices Note: This list will be
updated periodically.
The information presented on this page should be used to update Chapter
7 of the Implementation Guidelines. |