What is an Adulterated Specimen?
Understanding what an adulterated specimen is and its implications is critical for employers, HR professionals, and transportation professionals overseeing drug testing and workplace compliance. Whether you’re conducting regulated drug tests, non-DOT drug tests, or random testing, comprehending the nuances of adulterated specimens and specimen validity testing can streamline your screening process and improve compliance with state and federal regulations.
Here, we’ll explore adulterated specimens, their importance in the drug testing process, and how Workplace Screening Intelligence can assist in maintaining compliance with workplace drug-free policies.
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John L gave us a 5 star google rating and said, From the beginning, Brenda has been a wealth of knowledge and has been very patient explaining aspects of the DOT random drug testing program. I called multiple times to clarify our responsibility and what WSI could do to help and Brenda has been cheerful and eager to help us get started. Phil the CEO of the company also provided guidance and was knowledgeable and was very pleasant throughout. I’m glad to have found WSI, this is truly a customer first company.
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Need a Customer First Company to manage your employee screening program or to order a drug screen or other employee screening service today? Contact our knowledgeable support staff at 844-573-8378 or press on link to order now: https://workplacescreening.com/order-here/
Need to order a drug test or other employee screening service today? Contact our knowledgeable support staff at 844-573-8378 or press on link to order now: https://workplacescreening.com/order-here/
What is an Adulterated Specimen?
An adulterated specimen refers to a urine sample that has been tampered with or altered to mask the presence of drugs or drug metabolites. This can include adding foreign substances to a specimen, using synthetic urine, or excessively diluting the sample.
Here’s a breakdown of common tampering methods:
- Adulteration: Adding substances like bleach, vinegar, or other chemicals to a sample to destroy or mask drug traces. Adulterants are often marketed as “cleansing agents.”
- Substitution: Replacing a urine sample with synthetic urine or another liquid, such as water, to avoid detection of drug use.
- Dilution: Drinking excessive amounts of liquid before the test to lower the concentration of drugs in the urine sample. While natural dilution may occur due to hydration, intentional dilution is considered tampering.
Why is Specimen Validity Testing (SVT) Important?
Specimen Validity Testing (SVT) is essential for detecting adulterated, substituted, or diluted samples. Laboratories perform SVT as part of the initial drug screening process. If the integrity of the specimen is compromised, the results may be flagged, prompting further action.
Key Indicators in Specimen Validity Testing:
- Creatinine and Specific Gravity Levels: Abnormal levels may indicate dilution or substitution.
- Presence of Adulterants: Substances like nitrates above the federally established threshold can interfere with drug detection.
- Temperature of the Sample: Samples outside the standard temperature range may signal substitution.
Federal Drug-Free Workplace and DOT testing programs mandate specimen validity testing to ensure reliable results. Partnering with an experienced Medical Review Office (MRO) ensures that all SVT results are interpreted accurately.
The Role of Drug Testing in the Workplace
Employers and HR professionals use drug testing to ensure safety, productivity, and compliance. Testing can take different forms:
Regulated Drug Testing
DOT regulated drug tests are required for safety-sensitive employees in industries governed by the Department of Transportation (DOT). These include FMCSA, FAA, FRA, FTA, PHMSA, and US Coast Guard. A DOT Drug Test near you typically includes a regulated Five-Panel Drug Test, testing for:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Amphetamines
- Opiates
- PCP
Non Regulated Drug Testing
Non regulated drug testing applies to industries outside DOT regulations. It enables employers to establish and maintain a drug-free workplace policy. For example, a 10-panel drug test for non-DOT testing may include additional substances like Benzodiazepines, Barbiturates Methadone, Propoxyphene, Methadone or Methaqualone (Quaaludes).
Drug Screening Modalities:
- Urine Drug Test (including 5-panel, 10-panel tests): The most common testing method used for both DOT and non-DOT drug screens.
- Specialized drug screen (including larger panels or esoteric drugs (Ketamine drug test, Tramadol Drug Test, Meperidine Drug Test, K-2 Spice Drug Test, Fentanyl Drug Test and many more).
- Hair Follicle Drug Test: Can detect drug use up to 90 days in the past. Hair Follicle Drug Screens are observed and will yield more positives than urine.
- Oral Fluid Drug Test: Offers a shorter detection window, often used for recent substance use. Oral Fluids are observed and will likely yield more positives than urine.
- Alcohol Testing: Includes breath alcohol testing to determine current impairment. Also available are EtG alcohol test and PETH alcohol test. Both EtG alcohol test and PETH test are
What Happens if a Specimen is Adulterated?
An adulterated specimen may result in a failed DOT drug test or non-DOT drug screen. Here’s how it’s generally handled:
- The laboratory flags questionable results during specimen validity testing.
- Results are sent to a Medical Review Office (MRO) for verification.
- The MRO contacts the employee to discuss the results. If tampering is confirmed, the test result is labeled “Adulterated.”
- Employers take appropriate actions, including possible immediate termination or entry into a Return to Duty Test process.
At Workplace Screening Intelligence, our MRO services ensure accurate, fair, and compliant drug test results. Further, our 30 years of experience leaves no question unanswered.
Need to find a drug testing collection site location. Visit our handy drug test collection site locator to find a drug test site near your workplace or home: Locations
Physical Exams and Other Services
Drug testing often goes hand in hand with physical exams, especially in regulated industries. Below are some related services:
DOT Physicals
DOT-compliant physicals are required for commercial drivers to ensure they are medically fit to operate commercial vehicles. You can easily find “DOT physical near me” to schedule an appointment at www.workplacescreening.com or Contact our knowledgeable support staff at 844-573-8378 or press on link to order now: https://workplacescreening.com/order-here/
Non-DOT Physicals
Non-regulated physicals may be tailored to specific job requirements for employees outside DOT-regulated industries. NON DOT Physicals include Lift Test, Respirator Physicals, Respirator Questionnaire, Vision Testing and so much more.
Respirator Physicals
For industries where employees must wear respirators, compliance requires respirator physicals to determine fitness for use.
Need a Physical today? contact our knowledgeable support staff at 844-573-8378 or support@workplacescreening.com
Additional Offerings by Workplace Screening Intelligence
Supervisor Drug and Alcohol Awareness Training
DOT regulations mandate training for supervisors on recognizing signs of drug and alcohol misuse. Non-DOT employers can also benefit greatly from implementing similar training programs. For more information on DOT drug and Alcohol Awareness Training: Supervisor Drug And Alcohol Training
Need to order Drug and Alcohol Awareness Training? Contact our knowledgeable support staff at 844-573-8378 or press on link to order now: https://workplacescreening.com/order-here/
Clinical Lab Testing
Workplace Screening Intelligence provides Clinical Testing services, including Titer Testing for vaccines and TB tests like T-SPOT TB Test and QuantiFERON-GOLD.
Comprehensive Testing Solutions
We also offer specialized drug panels, such as:
- Synthetic Marijuana Drug Test (K-2 and Spice)
- Fentanyl Drug Test
- Ketamine Drug Test
- Buprenorphine Drug Test
Random Testing Consortium Services
We provide random testing consortium services for various industries, including:
DOT Consortiums:
- FMCSA Random Testing Consortium
- FAA Random Testing Consortium
- FRA Random Testing Consortium
- FTA Random Testing Consortium
- PHMSA Random Testing Consortium
- US Coast Guard Random Testing Consortium
NON-DOT Consortiums:
- Ohio BWC Random Testing Consortium (including 5% and 15% programs).
- CAPUC Random Testing Consortium
With robust random consortium management, we help businesses stay compliant while minimizing administrative burdens.
For more information on our Random Drug Testing Programs: Randoms Management
Need to join a Random Drug Testing Program Today?
Contact our knowledgeable support staff at 844-573-8378 or press on link to order now: https://workplacescreening.com/order-here/
Need Help with FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse?
Simplifying FMCSA Clearinghouse Compliance with Expert Support
The FMCSA Clearinghouse is a vital online database developed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Its core purpose is to track drug and alcohol violations within the commercial driving community, promoting greater safety standards across the transportation industry. Employers are tasked with reporting any violations, such as failed drug or alcohol tests, to the Clearinghouse. This system ensures that drivers who violate regulations are kept out of safety-sensitive roles until they successfully complete their return-to-duty process.
Key Steps to Ensure FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse Compliance
- Register your business in the FMCSA Clearinghouse portal.
- Update your DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing policy with an FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse addendum.
- Inform and train your supervisors and employees on their rights and responsibilities related to the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
- Conduct pre-employment queries for every hire in the Clearinghouse FMCSA.
- Perform annual queries for all employed drivers in the Clearinghouse FMCSA.
- Report positive alcohol tests to the Clearinghouse.
- Document and report any collection site refusals.
- Submit reports for all known instances of drug or alcohol misuse.
- Record return-to-duty testing results.
- Report the completion of any required follow-up testing programs.
- Medical Review Officers (MROs) must report all confirmed positive drug tests.
Why Use a Consortium/Third-Party Administrator (CTPA)?
Navigating FMCSA Clearinghouse compliance requirements can be challenging and time-consuming. By appointing a CTPA like Workplace Screening Intelligence (WSI), businesses can streamline compliance processes and offload some of the administrative burden.
WSI’s FMCSA Clearinghouse Program simplifies the entire process, ensuring all regulatory duties are handled efficiently and effectively.
Benefits of WSI’s Clearinghouse Support Program
- Registration support for your DOT number(s) in the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
- Reporting drug and alcohol violations.
- Completing the required annual driver queries.
- Assisting employees with understanding and completing necessary petitions.
- Addendums added to your DOT Drug and Alcohol policy to ensure compliance.
- Proper documentation of refusals and “Return-to-Duty” results.
- Assistance in correcting any inaccurate driver information.
- Discounted rates for conducting queries.
- Employee education materials to ensure awareness and education requirements of the Clearinghouse system.
With WSI’s Clearinghouse services, you can efficiently manage compliance, enabling your team to focus on daily operations while staying in line with regulatory mandates.
FMCSA Clearinghouse Login
Both employers and drivers must use the FMCSA login portal for registration and to access the Clearinghouse database. To register or sign in, visit Login.gov.
Additional Names for the FMCSA Clearinghouse
The FMCSA Clearinghouse goes by several names in the industry, including but not limited to:
- FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse
- DOT Clearinghouse
- Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse
- Clearinghouse
- Clearinghouse FMCSA
- Owner Operator Clearinghouse
Get in Touch
Simplify your compliance process today! For more details about WSI’s FMCSA Clearinghouse Program, reach out to our expert team.
📞 844-573-8378
📧 support@workplacescreening.com
🌐 Learn more at Workplace Screening Intelligence
Trust Workplace Screening Intelligence to handle your compliance, so you can focus on driving your business forward.
FAQs
1. What is a substituted specimen?
A substituted specimen contains substances or liquids that are not human urine, such as water, that mimic the appearance of urine.
2. What happens if I fail a DOT drug test?
Failing a DOT drug test triggers a mandatory Return to Duty process, which includes Follow-Up Drug Tests and working with a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP). Also will include a Return to Duty drug test and may include education and/or treatment.
3. What is a Titer Test? Can I order one today?
A Titer Test measures immunity to specific diseases. Yes, you can order a Titer Test today through Workplace Screening Intelligence.
For more information on Titer Testing: Titer Testing
Need to order a Titer Test today? Contact our knowledgeable support staff at 844-573-8378 or press on link to order now: https://workplacescreening.com/order-here/
4. What is the difference between a T-SPOT TB Test and QuantiFERON-GOLD TB Test?
Both tests screen for tuberculosis but differ in sensitivity and methodology. The choice depends on clinical requirements. T-Spot requires multiple visits to a doctor for test and reading. Benefit of TB Transferrin Gold test, only one visit is needed.
Need a TB Test today?
Contact our knowledgeable support staff at 844-573-8378 or press on link to order now: https://workplacescreening.com/order-here/
5. How far back does hair follicle drug testing go?
Hair follicle drug tests have a 90-day detection window, making them ideal for identifying long-term drug use.
Compliance Made Easy with 30 Years of Expertise
Workplace Screening Intelligence combines decades of experience to ensure seamless, compliant drug testing and employment screening processes. From electronic order tracking to MRO services, we offer peace of mind for you and your team.
If you’re ready to elevate your compliance process, contact us today or search “drug screening locations near me” to get started. We’re here to help you focus on your business while we handle the rest.
What Our Customers say about Us
Carlie M. gave us a 5 Star Google Review and said, “Brenda is amazing! Always so helpful and knowledgeable. Switching from our old provider to WSI has made my job SO much easier”!!
Need to order a drug screen, alcohol test or other employee screening service today? Contact our knowledgeable support staff at 844-573-8378 or press on link to order now: https://workplacescreening.com/order-here/