Chain of Custody - This term refers to the process of insuring and providing documentation of proper urine 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.

Department of Transportation (DOT) - The DOT is the governmental agency responsible for administering regulations requiring alcohol and/or drug testing in accordance with 49CFR Part 40 of the federal regulations.

DOT Drug Screen - A DOT drug screen tests a urine specimen for five drugs (opiates, PCP, amphetamines, marijuana and cocaine).  A DOT-approved Chain of Custody form is used during the collection process, 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 person at the company requesting the test.

Drug Testing Policy - A policy that outlines what type of testing will be conducted, the terms and definitions surrounding drug screening, and recourse for positive test results.  Such a policy is utilized by a companyto convey a strong message of zero tolerance toward the use of 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 of abuse 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 a physician with special training in substance abuse, called a Medical Review Officer, or MRO. An MRO reviews the positive result of a drug screen and helps to decide if there is an alternative explanation besides drug abuse for the positive result.  This service is also available for non-DOT testing, if desired. During the MRO's review it may be necessary for him/her to contact and speak directly with the donor to verify any types of medication the donor has taken.

Non-DOT Drug Screen - This test screens for a wide range of drugs such as opiates, PCP, amphetamines/methamphetamines, marijuana, and cocaine - this is called a 5-panel drug screen. This can be expanded upon by testing for the above five drugs, as well as barbiturates, benzodiazepines, methadone, methaqualone, and propoxyphene -  called a 10-panel drug screen. A urine alcohol (ethyl) screen can be added to either panel, if desired.

Patient Service Technician/Clinician - 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) 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 possible.

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.

Post-Accident Testing - Testing for drugs or alcohol in an employee involved in an on-the-job accident, vehicular or otherwise.

Random Testing - The unannounced testing of employees, randomly selected such that each person in the testing pool has the same chance of being selected as any other person in the pool, regardless of whether the person has been previously selected. 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.

Split Specimen Collection -  The donor's urine is divided into two separate specimen bottles and sent to the laboratory, where the second bottle remains unopened.  In the event there is a question about the results of a drug test, the second or "split" specimen can then be sent to a second laboratory to vertify the first laboratory's result.