D.O.T. Split Specimen Testing Requirements

All Department of Transportation urine testing requires that the collector split the specimen into two separate vials and send both to the SAMHSA certified laboratory for testing. Both specimens must be from the same collection.

When the laboratory receives the specimens, they put one of the vials through the testing process and place the second vial in storage. If the result of the test is "not negative", the second vial may be tested at a different SAMHSA certified laboratory if the donor requests it.

When a drug test is "not negative", the results are transmitted from the laboratory to the Medical Review Officer (MRO). Before a final result is determined, the MRO must speak with the donor to learn if he or she is taking a legally prescribed medication that could have produced the test result. If not, then the split specimen comes into play.

It is the MRO's duty to explain that the donor has the right to have the second vial tested at a different laboratory. This required D.O.T. procedure rules out any possibility of laboratory error. Although the regulations do not spell out who has to pay for the second test, they do specify that the donor has the right to request the test, even if they are unable to pay for it (obligating the employer to pay).

If the donor requests the split specimen test, the result from the second SAMHSA certified laboratory is then used.