Question
Can anyone explain to me the proper procedure in urine drug screen? Brother-in -law is changing jobs and went for drug screen today. He produced the requested sample and the receptionist took it and placed in on the counter for 5-10 mins w/o label or i.d. She then picked it up and announced, " It's too cold you need to give another sample with an observer. B-I-L willingly attempted, but because he had just voided and a very shy bladder was unable to produce. He became very upset and asked to go outside to have cig. He wasa told he could not leave the room and if he did it would be considered a refusal. My question is "Does this receptionist have some sort of temp sensitive hands, that she can detect temp by feeling?" "How can it be a refusal when there is a sample already produced?" Thanks for your help
Answer
Are not to leave that specimen until the collection process is completed. That includes checking the temp, pouring it into 2 vials and sealing it with labels that the donor initials.
Most collection kits come with a cup that has a temp sensitive label on the outside of the original collection cup. Very similar to the temp strips you use on a childs forehead. The temperature is supposed to be read within 4 minutes of the collection and in the presence of the donor. If it is not read within that 4 minutes, that collection process is null and void.
The routine is to perform a second observed collection when the first is an unacceptable temp, but that is not meant to cover a slow or absent collector.
A call to the Medical Review Officer or the DOT complaining about collection procedures may be what that collection site needs to tighten up their collection processes. You will find the MRO name and number on the upper right hand corner of his copy of the chain of custody form.
Please let me know if more comes to light over this.
Keeping you safe, healthy and on the road.
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