The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) revised the Federal Drug Testing Custody and Control Form (CCF) to make it easier to use. The new form makes it easier for the collector to follow the collection process and standardizes the test result reporting methodology. The revision was announced in the Federal Register published on June 23, 2000 (Vol. 65, No. 122, pages 39155-39169). On July 25. 2000 the Department of Transportation (DOT) subsequently announced in the Federal Register (Volume 65, Number 143, pages 45815-45817) that employers regulated by the DOT are permitted to use the new CCF as of August 1, 2000. The old CCF forms can be used until supplies are exhausted, but not to be used beyond July 31, 2001.The new forms will remain valid for use until June 30, 2003.

The new form is a five-part form compared to the seven-part form currently used. The second laboratory copy of the old form was eliminated as it was believed the laboratories could use photocopies of the original form as necessary. The split specimen copy was eliminated as the split specimen test results are to be recorded on the original laboratory copy if the split is tested. The reduction in the number of form copies will help make handwritten information recorded on the form appear more legible on the later copies.

The new form also moves the specimen bottle seals from the right side of the form to the bottom of Copy 1 standardizing the width of the form and making it easier to print, store and handle the documents. The third major change includes the simplification of the chain of custody step by requiring the collector to sign the form only once. The single signature on the certification statement clearly describes that the collector has possession of the specimen from the time the collector receives the specimen from the donor until the collector releases the specimen for shipment and thus the additional signatures are not necessary.

The form provides a wider choice of terms that a laboratory can use to report results including invalid test, test cancelled, adulterated, substituted, dilute, or rejected for testing. The form also places the Medical Review Officer (MRO) steps for both the primary and split specimens on the MRO copy of the form.

For further information regarding the use of this form, contact Don Shatinsky, DOT Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy and Compliance at (202) 366-3784.