NOTE: See also 32.15.40
Elements of program:
(1) Once tested, a person stays in the selection pool and should have the same probability as anyone else to be selected again.
(2) Testing is done unannounced and should not be predictable. Specimens should be collected promptly once the person is notified
(3) Selection needs to be random and applied fairly to everyone in the selection pool, not targeting any particular person or group.
(4) Random testing is done independently of other testing (new employee, followup).
(5) Usually a certain percent of people are tested each year. It is best to spread the testing throughout the year.
An Excel equation that will select a value from a list at random is:
person to select =
= INDEX((first cell in list):(last cell in list),ROUNDUP(RAND()*COUNTA((first cell in list):(last cell in list)),0))
where:
• RAND() returns a random number from 0 to 1.
• The equation returns the contents of the cell in the list. This could be a name or ID number.
