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Urine Specimens

When collecting specimens at your facility, we advise you use the collection supplies we provide and follow all applicable collection procedures.

A chain of custody is a complete accounting of the collection process and specimen disposition until it reaches its final destination. External chain of custody is from the beginning collection point to the testing laboratory. Internal chain of custody begins with the receipt of the specimen at the lab and follows it through the testing process and on to storage until final disposal.

URINE COLLECTION

To ensure that unadulterated samples are obtained, the following procedures specify the minimum precautions to be taken during the collection of urine specimens

1.  Bluing agent should be added to the toilet bowl to deter the dilution of specimens. There should not be any other source of water in the enclosure where the urination occur, or hot water should be turned off from the source.
2. Upon arrival at the collection site, the donor should present some type of photo identification. If the donor does not have a picture ID, identification must be made by supervisor, program counselor etc.
3. Donor should remove any unnecessary outer garments (coat, jacket, hat) that might conceal items or substances that could be used to adulterate the specimen.
4.  The collector completes the bottle label with information as designated below.
5. The donor shall be instructed to thoroughly wash and dry his/her hands prior to the collection.
6. The donor is then instructed to fill specimen bottle as much as possible, (at least 30 cc) and screw cap snugly onto the bottle.
7. Security tape is placed across the lid and down the sides of the bottle as to not cover the label information. The collector initials and dates the seal and the donor initials the seal in the presence of each other. This is verification that the bottle was sealed in front of both parties and then placed in the zip-lock pouch for transport to the lab.\
8. The donor may now wash his/her hands with soap and water.

REMINDER:

• The first void (Specimen) of the day is the best. Later in the day the more diluted the urine becomes.
• A random collection should be unscheduled to ensure proper detection of drug use.

Guidelines for Completion of Bottle Label

1.  Label MUST be completed and placed on the bottle before it is given to the client for the collection of the specimen.
2.  Since the bottle label is attached to the specimen bottle, utmost care should be taken to insure that all information is correct and legible.
3.  Information to be completed on the label:
   • Identity of client (name or ID#)
   • Date of specimen collection
   • Medications should be listed
   • Program Account Number must be listed. Program name may also appear in field provided.
   • Special tests or panels should be written across bottom of label in bold print.
4. Make certain all writing is legible, preferably in block print. This ensures fewer clerical errors in sample reporting.

CHAIN OF CUSTODY

A triplicate Chain of Custody Form is available from Friends so that the collector may have a record of the collection. Please contact us to reorder supplies. Otherwise, a one page form is available for download on our website. Please make a copy to retain for your records.

Donor completes

1. Name (A)
2. Medications (J) - Prescription and Over The Counter drugs only, vitamins and supplements are not neccessary.
3. Donor’s authorization to test (K) print name, sign name, initials, date

Collector completes:

1. Collection site address (top)
2. Collection Type (B)
3. Friend’s Lab Account Number (C)
4. Reason for testing (D)
5. Requestor’s Address, Phone, Fax (E)
6. Tests requested (F) call lab if unsure
7. Specimen Temperature (G)
8. Collector’s Certification (H) print, sign, date, time
9. Custody Signatures (I) date, from whom, to whom, reason (i.e. * = Donor, received by = collector).