Requirements for the collection site:
(1) A clean surface for handling specimens and completing paperwork.
(2) A reasonable degree of privacy for the donor.
(3) The ability to restrict access only to authorized personnel during the collection.
(4) The ability to restrict access to supplies.
(5) A place to store records securely.
(6) If a sink is in the room, the water flow should be controllable from outside of the room, water inflow stopped and the pipes drained.
(7) If a toilet is in the room, a colorant (typically a blue dye) should be added to the bowl.
(8) All cleansers, soaps and chemicals should be removed from the room.
Required supplies for the collection:
(1) collection containers
(2) specimen bottles
(3) temperature strips
(4) security seals
(5) leak-resistant plastic specimen bags
(6) absorbent packing materials
(7) shipping containers
(8) bluing agent for toilet
(9) gloves
(10) secure refrigerator for storage
Steps involved in the collection process:
(1) preparation of the collection site
(2) prompt processing of the donor
(3) verification of donor identity
(4) explanation of the process
(5) completion of the top of the chain of custody form (CCF)
(6) donor removes unnecessary outer clothing and leaves carried belongings
(7) donor empties pockets
(8) donor washes hands
(9) donor selects collection kit
(10) donor provides urine specimen without flushing toilet
(11) collector checks temperature and examines container for signs of adulteration
(12) collector unwraps specimen bottles
(13) urine decanted by collector into specimen bottles A and B
(14) specimen bottles sealed by collector and donor signs the seals
(15) donor completes the CCF (certification statement, date of birth, contact phone numbers)
(16) collector completes CCF
(17) collector reviews CCF to make sure legible and complete
(18) specimens placed into leak-resistant plastic bags and sealed
(19) excess urine used for clinical tests ordered by physician or discarded
(20) specimens placed into shipping container
(21) copies of CCF sent to medical review officer and employer
(22) container shipped without delay if possible
(23) if container cannot be shipped immediately then secured in a locked refrigerator
Comments:
(1) The first urine specimen after arising from sleep is preferred for testing, as this is the most concentrated specimen.
(2) The more random the testing , the greater the chance to detect drug usage, as predictable "no testing" periods can be eliminated
(3) While drug screening can be effective, it may not be sensitive to detect all drug abuse situations.
(4) A collection container is used to collect the urine initially and to pour off the test specimens. The donor should not have control of the specimen bottles since some donors have made pinholes into the sides so that the specimen will leak during transport.
Normal urine typically shows:
(1) a temperature just after collection close to the core body temperature
(2) specific gravity: 1.003-1.030
(3) pH: 4.6-8.0 (can be affected by medications, diet and concurrent disease)
(4) creatinine: normally greater than 45.2 mg/dL (4 mmol/L, conversion factor from mg to mmol is 0.00884)
