DOT Urine Specimen Collection Procedures

The US Department of Transportation requires collectors to follow specific procedures when they perform a urine collection for a drug test. These procedures are outlined in Federal Rule 49 CFR, Part 40, Subpart D. It is helpful for supervisors to understand these procedures so that they can explain them to driver applicants. Also, if something goes awry in the collection process, knowledge of the procedures will help the supervisor to understand the appropriate steps to take.

The following are some of the federally mandated procedures required to be used every time a collection is performed.

IDENTIFICATION
Before a urine collection can take place, the collector must verify the identity of the donor. This is usually done with a picture ID (driver's license). It is also permissible for a supervisor to identify the individual to the collector (but not for a coworker to do so).


HAND WASHING
The donor must wash their hands with soap and water before providing the specimen. For mobile testing, it is the responsibility of the employer to furnish a location where this can be accomplished. If no water and soap are available, the testing should be performed at another location.


RESTRICTING ACCESS TO WATER AND CHEMICALS
The collector must prevent the donor from having access to a water source and to any chemicals that could be used to contaminate or adulterate the specimen.


BLUING THE TOILET
The collector adds bluing to the toilet bowl and tank as a precaution against the donor adding water to the specimen.


SECURITY SEALS
Once the specimen is procured, it is poured by the collector into the two transportation vials while the donor watches. Each vial is dated and then initialed by the donor validating that the specimen belongs to him or her.