Drug Screen PDF Form

Detailed Instructions for Filling Out Drug Screen

Filling out a Federal Drug Testing Custody and Control Form is a critical step in the drug testing process. This document serves as a record of the collection and custody of the drug test specimen, ensuring its integrity from the time of collection to the laboratory analysis. Careful completion of this form is essential to maintain the validity and legal defensibility of the test results. Here are step-by-step instructions to assist individuals in accurately filling out this form.

1. Under STEP 1: COMPLETED BY COLLECTOR OR EMPLOYER REPRESENTATIVE, start by entering the Employer Name, Address, I.D. No. in section A.
2. In section B, fill in the MRO (Medical Review Officer) Name, Address, Phone, and Fax No.
3. For section C, provide the Donor SSN (Social Security Number) or Employee I.D. No.
4. Select the appropriate Testing Authority in section D (e.g., HHS, DOT) and specify the DOT Agency if applicable.
5. In section E, indicate the Reason for Test by checking the appropriate box (e.g., Pre-employment, Random).
6. For section F, outline the Drug Tests to be Performed by checking the appropriate boxes or specifying other tests if necessary.
7. Complete section G with the Collection Site Name, Code, Address, Collector Phone No., City, State, Zip, and Collector Fax No.
8. Move to STEP 2: COMPLETED BY COLLECTOR, where the collector will check the specimen temperature, and mark the collection details, including any remarks if the collection was observed or if there were issues.
9. In STEP 3, the collector affixes the bottle seal(s), dates them, and the donor initials them. Note: The donor will complete STEP 5 on Copy 2 (for the MRO).
10. The CHAIN OF CUSTODY in STEP 4 is initiated by the collector detailing the specimen handling, including the collector's signature, date, and time of collection, along with the name of the delivery service.
11. STEP 5A and 5b will be completed by the testing facility and, if applicable, the split testing laboratory. It includes the examination outcomes, any remarks, and the certifying scientist's signature, name, and date.

Once the form is filled out according to these steps, it will accompany the specimen throughout the testing process. This ensures a documented chain of custody, which is crucial for the test's validity. The respective laboratory personnel will complete the later sections based on the test results and further custody transfers, if necessary.

1. What is the purpose of the Federal Drug Testing Custody and Control Form?

   The Federal Drug Testing Custody and Control Form is utilized to document the collection and handling of a drug test specimen from the time it is collected until the final test results are reported. This form ensures that the process adheres to federal requirements, maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of the drug testing process.

2. Who completes the Federal Drug Testing Custody and Control Form?

   Multiple parties are involved in completing the form, including the collector or employer representative, the collector at the collection site, and the testing facility personnel, such as the accessioner and certifying scientist. Each plays a role in certifying the specimen's handling and test results.

3. Which agencies might require the use of this form?

   This form is required by various federal agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), and the Department of Transportation (DOT). The DOT component specifies further agencies like FMCSA, FAA, FRA, FTA, PHMSA, and USCG, depending on the specific regulatory needs.

4. What are the types of drug tests indicated on the form?

   The form lists specific substances that the drug test can screen for, including THC (Marijuana Metabolite), Cocaine Metabolite, PCP, OPI (Opiates), and AMP (Amphetamines) among others. Employers can select the drugs to be tested from this list.

5. How are the reasons for testing categorized on the form?

   Reasons for drug testing as indicated on the form include Pre-employment, Random, Reasonable Suspicion/Cause, Post-Accident, Return to Duty, Follow-up, and others that can be specified if they do not fall under the mentioned categories.

6. How does this form ensure specimen integrity?

   The form includes steps for checking the specimen temperature, ensuring proper labeling, sealing, and initialing by the donor. These steps, along with remarks and a chain of custody initiated by the collector, help preserve the specimen's integrity until testing.

7. What happens if the specimen bottle seal is not intact when received at the lab?

   If the seal is not intact upon arrival at the laboratory, it is documented in the "REMARKS" section of the form. This notation prompts further review or possible rejection of the specimen for testing due to potential tampering or contamination concerns.

8. How are drug test results reported on the form?

   The test facility completes the Primary Specimen Report section, indicating whether the test is negative, positive for specific substances, or if the specimen is dilute, adulterated, substituted, invalid, or rejected for testing. Further confirmation occurs in cases of positive or questionable results.

9. What is the importance of the Chain of Custody section?

   The Chain of Custody section is crucial for documenting that the specimen was collected, labeled, sealed, handled, and tested according to federal requirements. This ensures the test results are reliable and legally defensible by accurately tracking the specimen from collection to reporting.

Filling out the Federal Drug Testing Custody and Control Form accurately is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the drug screening process. Mistake one often made is providing incomplete employer information in section A. It's essential to include the full employer name, address, and I.D number. This information ensures that the results reach the correct party without any delay or confusion.

The second common mistake is inaccurately filling out the donor’s Social Security Number (SSN) or Employee I.D. Number in section C. Precision is critical here, as this number links the test directly to the individual. Any errors can lead to significant issues, such as misidentification or results being reported to the wrong individual.

Another overlooked aspect is not specifying the testing authority correctly in section D. Whether it’s HHS, NRC, or one of the DOT agencies, this designation is vital. It determines the standards and procedures to be followed, ensuring the test complies with federal requirements.

It's also common to see errors in section E, where the reason for the test is indicated. Selecting the correct category, whether it’s pre-employment or reasonable suspicion, is crucial. Incorrect information here can affect the legality of the testing process and the decisions made based on its results.

When it comes to the types of drug tests to be performed, listed in section F, overlooking the need to specify the exact substances to be screened can lead to incomplete testing. Just writing “THC, COC, PCP, OPI, AMP” without crossing out the irrelevant or unnecessary substances could result in unnecessary analyses, increasing costs and testing time.

Lastly, a frequent mistake made by collectors in step 2 is failing to properly document the specimen temperature or incorrectly marking the collection type. This part of the process is vital for ensuring the specimen’s integrity and that it hasn’t been tampered with. Properly marking whether the collection was observed or unobserved, along with any relevant remarks, is essential for a defensible testing process.

When conducting drug testing, whether for employment purposes, compliance with federal regulations, or other reasons, a Drug Screen Form is pivotal. Nevertheless, this form rarely stands alone in the process. Various supporting documents and forms often supplement it to ensure a comprehensive approach to drug testing. These documents serve different purposes, from verifying the identity of the test subject to ensuring the integrity of the test results. Below is a list of other forms and documents commonly used alongside the Drug Screen Form.

• Consent and Release Form: This document is usually signed by the individual undergoing the drug test. It provides legal permission to perform the test and report the results to the necessary parties.
• Chain of Custody Form: Although the Drug Screen Form includes chain of custody information, additional forms might be used to detail each step of the specimen's journey to ensure its integrity and security.
• Photo Identification: To prevent impersonation or fraud, a valid photo ID of the person being tested is often required at the time of sample collection.
• Medical Review Officer (MRO) Report: After analysis, the MRO reviews the test results and provides a report that includes interpretations and recommendations.
• Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) Referral: If the drug test is positive, this document refers the individual to a specialist for evaluation and treatment recommendations.
• Background Check Authorization: Particularly in employment settings, authorization for background checks, which may include previous drug test results, is commonly required alongside drug screening consent.
• Test Facility Accreditation Documentation: This ensures that the laboratory performing the drug test complies with all relevant standards and regulations, guaranteeing the accuracy of the test results.
• Employee Acknowledgement of Drug Policy: In many workplaces, employees are required to sign an acknowledgement that they have received and understand the organization’s drug and alcohol policy.
• Result Notification Form: This form communicates the outcome of the drug test to the relevant parties, often including the individual tested, in a formal and confidential manner.

Together with the Drug Screen Form, these documents create a robust framework for drug testing, ensuring legality, reliability, and fairness throughout the process. Their use varies depending on specific requirements and contexts, such as federal regulations, company policies, or legal proceedings. Each document plays a vital role in the meticulous and sensitive matter of drug testing, safeguarding the interests and rights of all involved parties.

• Employment Application Forms: Similar to Drug Screen forms, Employment Application Forms collect personal information from applicants, including contact information and employment history. Both types of documents contribute to the decision-making process in hiring, with the Drug Screen form addressing eligibility based on drug use criteria.

• Medical History Forms: Like Drug Screen forms, Medical History Forms gather specific information about an individual's medical background. The focus on health-related information is a commonality, though Drug Screen forms concentrate specifically on drug testing results.

• Consent Forms: Consent Forms, used in various settings (medical, research, etc.), require an individual's agreement before proceeding with a procedure or research participation, mirroring the permission aspect that is inherent in Drug Screen forms where the individual acknowledges and consents to the drug testing process.

• Background Check Authorization Forms: These forms authorize the review of an individual’s personal history (criminal, financial, etc.). The Drug Screen form serves a similar purpose in the context of reviewing drug use history, both contributing to background checks for employment or other purposes.

• Laboratory Test Order Forms: These forms are used by healthcare providers to order laboratory tests. They resemble Drug Screen forms in their function to request and document specific tests and their results, with Drug Screen forms focusing on tests for substances.

• Accident Report Forms: In workplaces, Accident Report Forms document incidents that occur on the job. The similarity to Drug Screen forms arises when drug testing is required after an accident to determine if substance use was a factor, highlighting their role in workplace safety and compliance.

• Insurance Claim Forms: These forms are filled out to request reimbursement or direct payment for medical services from an insurance company. Both Insurance Claim and Drug Screen forms involve reporting and documentation for processing, with Drug Screen forms potentially influencing claim decisions in cases of work-related accidents.

• Government Compliance Forms: Various forms are used to ensure compliance with government regulations, similar to how Drug Screen forms adhere to federal testing guidelines (e.g., DOT, HHS). Both types serve to document and verify compliance with specific regulations.

• Confidentiality Agreement Forms: These agreements protect sensitive information. While serving different primary functions, both Confidentiality Agreements and Drug Screen forms often handle private information, requiring adherence to privacy laws and practices.

• Return-to-Work Forms: After an absence due to illness or injury, employees may be required to submit a Return-to-Work Form. This form, along with a Drug Screen form in certain contexts, is used to assess if an individual is fit to resume duties, particularly in ensuring a drug-free workplace.

When it comes to filling out the Federal Drug Testing Custody and Control Form, accuracy and attentiveness are key. Here's a guide tailored to help individuals navigate the process effectively, thus ensuring a smooth and error-free submission.

Do's:

1. Verify all the pre-filled sections to ensure they accurately represent your details and the specifics of the drug screening process being undertaken.
2. Double-check the employer and Medical Review Officer (MRO) information for accuracy, including names, addresses, and contact numbers, to prevent miscommunication.
3. Include the correct Specimen ID No., as it is crucial for tracking and matching the sample to the test results.
4. Select the appropriate Reason for Test and ensure that the chosen option aligns with the situation prompting the drug screen, such as pre-employment or reasonable suspicion.
5. Clearly specify the drugs being tested for, if the ‘Other’ option under the tests to be performed section is selected, by providing a detailed list.
6. Ensure the collection site information is complete and correct, including the site name, address, and collector's contact details.

Don'ts:

• Overlook the need for the donor's signature and initials where required. These are essential for validating the process and confirming the donor’s participation in the test.
• Ignore the Specimen Temperature and Collection remarks section. If there are issues like temperature anomalies or observed collections, remarks must be accurately entered.
• Leave any section incomplete, especially if it pertains to regulatory requirements such as DOT specifics. Incomplete information could result in processing delays or test invalidation.
• Forget to confirm the Chain of Custody section is properly filled out by the collector, including their signature, name, and the time of collection.
• Fail to review Step 5A and 5B if applicable, which are completed by the testing facility, to understand the outcome and any remarks made by the testing personnel.
• Misplace any of the form’s copies. Each copy serves a specific purpose and must be routed correctly to ensure compliance and proper documentation of the drug screen process.

Adhering to these guidelines will facilitate a seamless drug testing process, supporting accuracy, compliance, and timely completion of the testing cycle.

Understanding the Federal Drug Testing Custody and Control Form is crucial for individuals undergoing drug testing, especially in the context of employment or legal requirements. However, several misconceptions exist regarding the process and the form itself. Let's clarify some of these common misunderstandings:

• Only those with substance use issues are tested: This is incorrect. Drug testing can be a requirement for various reasons including pre-employment screening, random testing, reasonable suspicion, post-accident investigation, return to duty, and follow-up testing. It applies to many individuals, regardless of their history with substances.
• The form is the same for all types of tests: While the form used, often referred to as the Federal Drug Testing Custody and Control Form, serves as a standard, the specific substances tested for can vary. The form has sections where the type of drug tests to be performed are specified, such as THC, COC, PCP, OPI, AMP, among others.
• Tests are only conducted for illegal substances: The screening isn't limited to illegal drugs. It includes prescribed and over-the-counter medications that can impair an individual's ability to perform specific tasks, such as operating machinery. The substances tested can include legal substances depending on the job requirements and reasons for the test.
• Personal information is widely shared: The form includes the provision to maintain privacy with sensitive information, such as the Social Security Number (SSN) or Employee ID No., being handled in a confidential manner. Only authorized personnel, such as the Medical Review Officer (MRO), have access to certain personal information to maintain confidentiality and privacy.
• All failed tests result in immediate job loss or legal action: Positive test results lead to additional steps, including verification by an MRO who reviews the results and confirms them. The outcome depends on several factors, including company policy, the reason for the test, and legal requirements. There is often a process for challenging results or seeking rehabilitation.
• Temperature checks of the specimen are irrelevant: The temperature of the specimen is an essential part of the collection process, indicating whether the sample is fresh and has not been tampered with. The form explicitly requires the collector to check if the temperature is within the specified range (90° to 100° F).
• The presence of a custodian or collector is always mandatory: While the standard procedure involves a collector overseeing the process to ensure integrity, there are instances, such as post-accident testing, where direct observation isn't necessary but is subject to specific regulatory guidelines or company policies.
• Results are immediate: The form proceeds through various steps, including collection, laboratory analysis, and review by a certifying scientist or Medical Review Officer (MRO) before results are finalized. This process takes time, and while some tests can provide rapid results, official results may require several days to a week or more.
• There's no way to contest results: If a test comes back positive, individuals have the right to request a retest or split specimen testing, especially if they believe there has been a mistake. The process for this is outlined in the testing guidelines and involves additional testing of the original sample or a separate split sample to confirm or refute the initial findings.

It's crucial for both employees and employers to understand these facets of the drug testing process, ensuring fairness and accuracy in the interpretation and application of such tests.

Filling out and using a Federal Drug Testing Custody and Control Form is pivotal for ensuring the integrity and legality of a drug testing process. Here are key takeaways that one should bear in mind:

• It is crucial to accurately fill out the employer and donor (employee) information, including the Employer Name, Address, I.D. No., and the Donor's Social Security Number or Employee I.D. No.
• Choosing the appropriate testing authority and specifying the DOT agency if applicable are necessary steps to ensure that the test is compliant with the correct regulatory body.
• Clearly indicating the reason for the test (e.g., Pre-employment, Random, Reasonable Suspicion Cause) helps in maintaining the purpose and legality of the drug screening.
• Specifying which drug tests to be performed (e.g., THC, COC, PCP, OPI, AMP) is important for both the laboratory's processing of the sample and for the transparency and expectations of both the employer and the donor.
• The collection site's details, including name, address, and contact information, must be correctly entered to maintain the integrity of the chain of custody.
• The form includes protocols for both the collection process and the lab testing process, including specimen temperature check, splitting or observing collections, and ensuring seals are intact and initialed by the donor.
• Understanding the significance of the chain of custody, initiated by the collector and completed by the test facility, ensures that every step of the process is documented, reducing the likelihood of challenges to the test results.
• In the case of positive, adulterated, substituted, or invalid results, the procedure for the reporting and confirmation tests, including handling by a Medical Review Officer (MRO) if needed, is outlined to ensure accurate and fair outcomes.

Compliance with these steps fosters a transparent, lawful, and respectful drug testing process, upholding the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved.