Department of Health and Human Services 

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration 

Center for Substance Abuse Prevention 

 

Urine Specimen Collection Handbook 

for 

Federal Agency Workplace Drug Testing Programs 

EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 1, 2015 

Note: This manual applies to federal agency drug testing programs that come under 

Executive Order 12564 dated September 15, 1986, section 503 of Public Law 100-71, 5 

U.S.C. section 7301 note dated July 11, 1987, and the Department of Health and 

Human Services Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs 

(69 FR 19644) dated November 25, 2008 (effective October 1, 2010). 

This manual does not apply to specimens submitted for testing under U.S. 

Department of Transportation (DOT) Procedures for Transportation Workplace Drug 

and Alcohol Testing Programs (49 CFR Part 40). 

Previous Versions of this Handbook are Obsolete
Table of Contents 

Chapter 1. The Collector ................................................................................................ 1

Chapter 2. Collector/Collection Site Records ................................................................. 3

Chapter 3. The Collection Site ....................................................................................... 3

Chapter 4. Federal Agency Blind Samples ..................................................................... 5

Chapter 5. The Federal Drug Testing Custody and Control Form (Federal CCF) .......... 6

A. Use of an Electronic Federal CCF .................................................................. 7

B. Federal CCF Requirements ............................................................................ 8

C. Federal CCF Instructions for Use.................................................................... 9

D. Federal CCF Distribution .............................................................................. 11

Chapter 6. Verification of Donor Identity ....................................................................... 12

Chapter 7. Urine Specimen Collection ......................................................................... 13

A. Collection Site Security ................................................................................. 13

B. Collection Supplies ....................................................................................... 13

C. Collection Procedure ..................................................................................... 15

D. Direct Observed Collection ........................................................................... 24

E. Monitored Collection ..................................................................................... 26

F. Insufficient Specimen .................................................................................... 27

Chapter 8. Miscellaneous Collection Issues ................................................................ 28

A. Donor Conduct .............................................................................................. 28

B. Refusal to Test .............................................................................................. 29

Chapter 9. Collector Errors ........................................................................................... 30
1 

Chapter 1. The Collector 

A collector is the person who instructs and assists donors at a collection site and receives the 

specimen provided by the donor. 

The following restrictions apply: 

 The immediate supervisor of an employee may not serve as the collector when that 

employee is tested, unless there is no feasible alternative. A supervisor serving as a 

collector must be a trained collector. 

 The hiring official of an applicant may not serve as the collector when the applicant is 

tested, unless there is no feasible alternative. A hiring official serving as a collector must 

be a trained collector. 

 A co-worker who is in the same testing pool or who works with an employee on a daily 

basis must not serve as a collector when that employee is tested. 

 An applicant or employee must not serve as the collector by collecting his or her own 

specimen. 

 An individual working for an HHS-certified Instrumented Initial Test Facility (IITF) or 

laboratory may not serve as a collector if that individual can link the donor with the 

specimen drug test result or the report from the test facility (IITF or laboratory). 

 An individual who has a personal relationship with the employee (e.g., spouse, exspouse, relative, close personal friend) must not serve as the collector. 

To qualify as a urine specimen collector for a federal agency program, an individual 

must: 

 Be knowledgeable of the collection procedure described in the HHS Mandatory 

Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs (Mandatory Guidelines) 

 Be knowledgeable of any guidance provided by the federal agency’s Drug-Free 

Workplace Program and additional information provided by HHS relating to the collection 

procedure described in the Mandatory Guidelines 

 Receive training from a qualified trainer for urine specimen collectors on the following 

topics: 

o All steps to correctly perform a urine specimen collection 

o Completion and distribution of the Federal CCF 

o Problem collections 

o Fatal and correctable flaws and how to correct problems in collections 

o Collector responsibilities to maintain the integrity of the collection process, ensuring 
2 

the privacy of the donor, ensuring the security of the specimen, and avoiding conduct 

or statements that could be viewed as offensive or inappropriate. 

 

 Demonstrate proficiency in urine collections by successfully completing five consecutive 

error-free mock collections that include: two uneventful scenarios, one insufficient 

specimen scenario, one where the temperature is out of range, and one in which the 

donor refuses to sign the Federal CCF and refuses to initial the tamper-evident bottle 

label/seal 

o The qualified trainer for collectors must monitor and evaluate the individual, in person 

or by a means that provides real-time observation and interaction between the trainer 

and the trainee, and the trainer must attest in writing that the mock collections are 

error-free 

 Complete refresher training on the items above at least every five years from the date of 

initial training 

 Have documentation that he or she has completed training as a collector in accordance 

with the above requirements (i.e., before collecting any specimens for a federal agency) 

 Maintain training documentation and provide it to a federal agency upon request 

The collector should have identification with his or her name and his or her employer’s name, 

address, and telephone number. The collector is required to provide his or her identification 

(employee badge or employee list) if requested by the donor. There is no requirement for the 

collector to have a photo ID or to provide his or her driver's license with an address. 

To qualify as an observer for a direct observed urine specimen collection for a federal 

agency program, an individual must: 

 Be knowledgeable of the direct observed collection procedure as described in the 

Mandatory Guidelines 

 Be knowledgeable of any guidance provided by the federal agency or by HHS relating to 

the direct observed collection procedure described in the Mandatory Guidelines 

 Receive training on the following subjects: : 

o The steps necessary to perform a direct observed collection correctly 

o Maintaining the integrity and security of the specimen throughout the collection 

process by maintaining visual contact with the collection container 

o Ensuring the privacy of the donor 

o Ensuring that the observation is done in a professional manner, to minimize 

discomfort of the donor 

o Avoiding conduct that can be interpreted as offensive or inappropriate 
3 

 Be the same gender as the donor. There are no exceptions to this requirement.

An observer is not required to be a trained collector. 

To qualify as a trainer for collectors for a federal agency program, an individual must: 

 Be qualified as a trained collector and have regularly conducted drug test collections for 

at least one year, OR have successfully completed a “train the trainer” course given by 

an organization (e.g., manufacturer, private entity, contractor, or federal agency) 

 Undergo refresher training in accordance with collector requirements (see above) at 

least every five years from the date of the individual’s initial training 

 Maintain documentation of his or her training and provide it to a federal agency upon 

request. 

Before an individual is permitted to collect a specimen for a federal agency, the agency 

must: 

 Ensure that the individual meets the collector requirements described in the Mandatory 

Guidelines 

 Ensure that the individual or a third party (e.g., third party administrator, collector training 

organization, federal agency that employs its own collectors) has a copy of the 

individual’s collector training documentation 

 Provide the individual with the name and telephone number of the federal agency’s 

designated representative to contact in the event that any problems or issues arise 

during a collection 

Chapter 2. Collector/Collection Site Records 

The collector should maintain his or her original collector training records (i.e., for initial and 

refresher training) and should provide copies to his or her employer and, as requested, to the 

federal agency. 

Collection site records must be stored for a minimum of two years. This includes the collector 

copy (Copy 3) of the Federal CCF for each specimen. Both hardcopy and electronic collection 

records must be stored and disposed of in a manner that ensures donor confidentiality is 

maintained. 

Chapter 3. The Collection Site 

A collection site is a permanent or temporary facility where donors present themselves for the 

purpose of providing a specimen for a drug test. When there is an immediate need to collect a 

specimen (e.g., a post-accident situation) and there is no agency-designated site available, a 

monitored collection may be conducted in a public restroom (see Chapter 7, Section E). The site 
4 

must have all necessary personnel, supplies, equipment, facilities, and supervision to provide 

for specimen collection, security, and temporary storage until the specimen is transferred to an 

HHS-certified IITF or laboratory, and must have arrangements for the transfer of the specimens 

to a certified IITF or laboratory. 

A facility used as a collection site must have: 

1. Provisions for donor privacy while he/she provides the urine specimen. The following 

facilities provide adequate privacy for urine collections: 

 An enclosed stall in a multi-stall restroom 

 A single person restroom 

 A partitioned area that allows for individual privacy 

 A mobile restroom (e.g., a vehicle with an enclosed toilet stall). 

2. A means for washing hands: 

 If practical, the water source should be external to the restroom where collection 

occurs. If a water source is in the enclosure where the collection occurs, the collector 

must secure it prior to the collection or conduct a monitored collection (see Chapter 

7, Sections C and E). 

 If a water source is not available, another means (e.g., waterless cleanser, moist 

towelettes) outside the restroom is an acceptable alternative. 

3. A suitable clean surface, inaccessible to the donor, for the collector to use as a work 

area: 

 If practical, the collector work area should be external to the restroom where 

collection occurs. 

 The collector work area may be inside the restroom only if the donor can have 

privacy while providing the urine specimen. 

4. A secure temporary storage area for maintaining specimens until they are transferred to 

an HHS-certified IITF or laboratory. Note: Specimens should NOT be exposed to 

high temperatures for an extended time. These conditions may affect the test 

results of a urine specimen. 

5. Procedures or restrictions to prevent: 

 Unauthorized access to the site during the collection, 

 Unauthorized access to the collection materials/supplies, 

 Unauthorized access to collection site records, and 
5 

 Donor access to items that could be used to adulterate, substitute, or dilute the 

specimen (e.g., soap, disinfectants, cleaning agents, water). 

Chapter 4. Federal Agency Blind Samples 

Each federal agency is required to have blind samples (i.e., negative samples, positive samples, 

adulterated samples, substituted samples) submitted along with the donor specimens. The 

blind samples may be purchased by the federal agency and supplied to the collector, or 

purchased by the collector and submitted to an IITF or laboratory with an agency’s specimens. 

The Mandatory Guidelines specify the approximate percentage of each type (i.e., 75% negative, 

15% positive for one or more drugs, 10% either adulterated or substituted). At a minimum, each 

federal agency must submit 3% blind samples with its donor specimens (i.e., based on the 

projected yearly number of donor specimens), and effort should be made for them to be 

submitted quarterly. The blind samples should be distributed throughout the donor specimens 

rather than being submitted as one group. 

Each blind sample must meet the following requirements: 

 Positive and negative samples must be validated by the supplier using the appropriate 

initial and confirmatory drug tests, 

 The shelf life of each blind sample must be provided by the supplier to ensure that the 

sample is submitted for testing prior to its expiration date, 

 Positive blind samples should contain at least one of the required drugs listed in the 

Mandatory Guidelines, and the concentration should be 1.5 to 2 times the initial drug test 

cutoff concentration; 

 Substituted or adulterated blind samples must demonstrate such characteristics (i.e., 

meeting substitution or adulteration criteria specified in the Mandatory Guidelines) at the 

time of the validation by the supplier. 

Each blind sample is submitted with a Federal CCF completed as for a donor specimen, with 

the following exceptions: 

 

 Because there is no donor, the collector provides a fictitious employee identification 

number or Social Security Number in Step 1c of the Federal CCF and writes fictitious 

donor initials on the A and B specimen bottle labels/seals. 

 The collector indicates that the sample is a ‘blind sample’ on the Medical Review Officer 

(MRO) copy where the donor would normally provide a signature (Step 5 on Copy 2 of 

the Federal CCF). 

 The collector may either discard Copy 5 of a paper Federal CCF (the donor copy) or 

maintain it with Copy 3 of the Federal CCF (the collector copy). 

If the collector purchases the samples for the federal agency’s blind program, the collector must 

send the supplier’s information (e.g., the content and concentration of the blind samples) to the 

MRO, to enable the MRO to interpret the results and report them to the agency. The MRO will 

contact the supplier and/or collector as needed when investigating discrepant results. 
6 

Chapter 5. The Federal Drug Testing Custody and Control Form 

(Federal CCF) 

Federal agencies are required to use the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)-approved 

Federal CCF when collecting specimens for their workplace drug testing programs. Federal 

CCFs are available from a number of different sources (e.g., IITFs, laboratories, collectors, third 

party administrators, MROs). 

2014 Federal CCF OMB extended the use of the Federal CCF as of May 31, 2014. The 2014 

Federal CCF may be used as a paper (hardcopy) or electronic (digital) form, or in a combination 

paper and electronic format. 

A proof of the 2014 Federal CCF and guidance for its use are on the SAMHSA website. The 

website is available at: http://www.samhsa.gov/workplace. 

2010 Federal CCF The form content of the 2010 Federal CCF (published in the Federal 

Register on July 16, 2010) is the same as the 2014 Federal CCF; only minor changes were 

made to the required statements and instructions to allow its use as an electronic document. 

Therefore, SAMHSA is allowing service providers to continue to use preprinted paper 

2010 Federal CCFs until supplies are depleted. 

Employers are prohibited from using the Federal CCF for: 

 Private-sector employee drug testing programs, other than testing conducted under the 

Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations 

 State workplace drug testing programs 

 Department of Justice drug testing programs 

The use of an incorrect form for a federal agency specimen does not, in and of itself, constitute 

a reason for the test facility to reject the specimen for testing or for the MRO to cancel the test. 

For example, in rare cases, a collector may use a non-federal form or incorrect Federal CCF for 

a federal agency collection by mistake or as the only means to conduct a collection under 

unusual circumstances (e.g., post-accident test with insufficient time to obtain a Federal CCF). 

In such cases, the test facility processes and tests the specimen, but holds the report pending 

receipt of a memorandum for the record (MFR) from the collector stating the reason why the 

correct Federal CCF was not used for the federal agency collection. The form used and the 

collector MFR should provide all information required on the Federal CCF. 

 If the collector realizes an incorrect form was used, he or she must send an MFR with 

the specimen. 

 If an IITF or laboratory discovers the use of a non-federal or incorrect federal form, the 

collector is notified to provide an MFR with the reason for using the incorrect form. If the 

collector does not provide an MFR after five business days, the IITF or laboratory will 
7 

report a rejected for testing result to the MRO who will cancel the test. 

 If an MRO discovers the use of a non-federal or incorrect federal form, the collector is 

notified to provide an MFR with the reason for using the incorrect form. If the collector 

does not provide an MFR after five business days, the MRO will cancel the test. 

A. Use of an Electronic Federal CCF 

A federal agency may use the Federal CCF as an electronic document in its federal workplace 

drug testing program. An electronic Federal CCF must be the functional equivalent of a paper 

Federal CCF with respect to integrity, accuracy, and accessibility. 

SAMHSA maintains the list of certified laboratories approved to use an eCCF on the SAMHSA 

website. The website is available at: http://www.samhsa.gov/workplace. 

“Personally identifiable information” (PII) is information that can be used to distinguish or trace 

an individual’s identity alone or when combined with other personal identifying information which 

is linked or linkable to a specific individual. PII that may be on the Federal CCF includes the 

donor’s Social Security Number (SSN), name, date of birth, telephone numbers, and 

employment status. All federally regulated employers and drug testing service providers (e.g., 

collectors, test facilities, MROs, third party electronic CCF providers) must implement 

procedures and administrative, technical, and physical controls to ensure donor privacy by 

restricting access to PII and to drug test results on hardcopy and electronic Federal CCFs, and 

entered into a computer system or database. Access to donor PII and drug test results must be 

limited to those individuals requiring access to fulfill job duties. Such individuals must receive 

training to make them aware of their responsibilities for protecting the information. The 

confidentiality must be maintained from the time the donor PII is obtained through 

transmission/transport of the Federal CCF, specimen testing, and records handling (i.e., 

storage, retrieval, and final destruction). 

Federally regulated employers and drug testing service providers (e.g., collectors, test facilities, 

MROs) who use electronic or combination electronic and paper Federal CCFs must implement 

procedures and administrative, technical, and physical controls to ensure the authenticity, 

integrity, and confidentiality of electronic records, and to ensure that electronic signatures are 

the legally binding equivalent of traditional handwritten signatures. These procedures and 

controls include, but are not limited to: 

 System validation 

 The ability to generate accurate and complete copies of records in both human readable 

and electronic form suitable for inspection, review, and copying upon request of 

authorized parties (e.g., the MRO, federal agency, or SAMHSA) 

 Protection of records to enable accurate and ready retrieval throughout the records 

retention period 

 Limiting system access to authorized individuals (e.g., trained collectors). Procedures 

must be in place for managing the user authentication system (e.g., assignment, review, 
8 

revocation). 

 Secure, computer-generated, time-stamped audit trails to independently record the date 

and time of operator entries and actions that create, modify, or delete records from the 

time of initiation of the Federal CCF (changes should be evident when reviewing the 

original record, and any electronic or paper copy of the original record) 

 Use of authority checks to ensure that only authorized individuals can use the system, 

electronically sign a record, access the operation or computer system input or output 

device, alter a record, or perform the operation at hand. 

Before implementing an electronic Federal CCF, HHS-certified IITFs and laboratories must 

provide a detailed plan and proposed standard operating procedures (SOPs) which include the 

above items for SAMHSA review and approval (i.e., through SAMHSA’s National Laboratory 

Certification Program, NLCP), and must undergo an onsite inspection. The review of validation 

records, specimen records, SOPs, staff training records, and practices associated with the 

electronic Federal CCF will be part of the NLCP inspection process. SAMHSA maintains the list 

of certified laboratories approved to use an eCCF on the SAMHSA website. 

B. Federal CCF Content Requirements 

Test Facility Identification 

At the top of the Federal CCF, the test facility must be identified by one of the following: 

 A specific IITF or laboratory name and address 

 A list of addresses with check boxes to allow the collector to check the box for the IITF 

or laboratory to which the specimen will be shipped 

 A corporate name and telephone number (the collector will annotate the address of the 

IITF or laboratory to which the specimen will be shipped, or the test facility that receives 

the specimen for testing will annotate its address) 

Bottle Labels/Seals 

The tamper-evident specimen bottle labels/seals may be at the bottom of Copy 1 or may be 

separate from the form: 

 There must be two labels/seals: one marked with the letter “A” to designate the primary 

specimen and the other marked with the letter “B” to designate the split specimen. 

 Each label/seal must have: 

 

o The same specimen identification number that is at the top of the Federal CCF, 

o A place for the collector to annotate the date of the collection, and 

o A place for the donor to initial the label/seal after it is placed on the specimen bottle. 
9 

Required Statements 

Wording of required statements must be identical to that on the OMB-approved Federal CCF. 

The statements must be provided as follows: 

 Instructions for Completing the Federal Drug Testing Custody and Control Form 

for Urine Specimen Collection 

o Paper Federal CCF: printed on the back of the donor copy (Copy 5) 

o Electronic Federal CCF: provided to the donor as a separate page (e.g., 

hardcopy, onscreen, posted at the collection site). 

 Public Burden Statement 

o Paper Federal CCF: printed on the back of each copy (i.e., Copies 1 through 5) 

o Electronic Federal CCF: provided to CCF recipients as a separate page (i.e., 

with the electronically transmitted Federal CCF copies). The Public Burden 

Statement may be displayed onscreen or posted at the collection site for the 

donor and collector, and/or provided to the donor as a hardcopy. 

 Privacy Act Statement (For Federal Employees Only) 

 

o Paper Federal CCF: printed on the back of the donor copy (Copy 5) 

o Electronic Federal CCF: provided to the donor as a separate page (e.g., 

hardcopy, onscreen, posted at the collection site).). 

C. Federal CCF Instructions for Use 

Step 1. To be completed by the collector or federal agency representative prior to the donor 

providing a specimen: 

 

 The employer and MRO information 

 The collection site and collector information 

 The testing authority box indicating under which federal agency the specimen is being 

collected 

 The appropriate box indicating the reason for the test 

 The appropriate box for the drug tests to be performed. If the test is to be performed for 

a drug other than those listed on the Federal CCF, the “Other” box is marked and the 

specific drug is annotated. 

 The collector enters the donor’s identification [e.g., social security number (SSN) or 

employee I.D. number] after the collector verifies the donor’s identity. If the donor 
10 

refuses to provide his/her SSN or I.D. number, the collector enters a remark in Step 2 on 

Copy 1. 

Step 2. To be completed by the collector after receiving the specimen from the donor and 

measuring the temperature of the specimen within 4 minutes. This step requires the collector to 

mark the appropriate boxes to indicate that: 

 The temperature of the specimen was or was not within the required temperature range, 

 The collection was a split specimen or single specimen collection (note: split specimens 

are required for all federal agency collections), 

 No specimen was collected and why (if applicable), and 

 A direct observed collection was performed and why (if applicable). If the collector was 

not the observer, the collector provides the name of the observer and the reason for an 

observed collection on the Remarks line in Step 2. Note: If there is insufficient room on 

the Remarks line, the collector may provide a separate MFR explaining the use of an 

observed collection. The collector must send the MFR to the test facility. 

 

Step 3. To be performed by the collector after the donor has watched the collector pour the 

specimen from the collection container into the specimen bottles and cap the bottles. This step 

instructs the collector to: 

 Place the labels/seals on the primary and split specimen bottles as the donor watches, 

 Date the labels/seals, 

 Have the donor initial the label/seal on each bottle (i.e., after the labels/seals have been 

placed on the bottles), and 

 Have the donor complete Step 5 on Copy 2 (the MRO copy). The collector instructs the 

donor to: 

o Read the certification statement. 

o Record the following: 

– His or her name, 

– Date of collection, 

– Daytime and evening telephone numbers, and 

– Date of birth. 

o Sign the certification statement. If the donor refuses to sign the certification 

statement, the collector enters a remark in Step 2 on Copy 1. 

The collector does not make any entries on Copy 2. 
11 

Step 4. To be initiated by the collector and completed at the test facility. The collector is 

required to: 

 Sign the collector certification statement in Step 4 on Copy 1 to certify that the specimen 

was collected, labeled, sealed, and released for shipment to the IITF or laboratory in 

accordance with federal requirements. 

 Include the collector’s printed name. 

 Record the following: 

o Date of collection 

o Time of collection 

o The specific name of the delivery service to which the specimen is released for 

shipment to the IITF or laboratory. 

The collector does not make entries below the first bold line in Step 4. Copy 1 entries in Step 4 

below the first bold line and in the subsequent Steps are made at the HHS-certified IITF or 

laboratory. 

D. Federal CCF Distribution 

Paper Federal CCF 

 Copy 1 (Test Facility Copy) signed by the collector is shipped with the specimen 

package to the IITF or laboratory. 

 Copy 2 (MRO Copy) signed by the donor is sent to the MRO 

o Original Copy 2 is sent by courier or mail, or 

o A copy of Copy 2 is sent via fax or provided electronically. The collector 

maintains the original Copy 2 in the collection site records. 

 Copy 3 (Collector Copy) is maintained in the collection site records. 

 Copy 4 (Employer Copy) is sent via fax, courier, or mail, or is provided electronically. 

 Copy 5 (Donor Copy) is given to the donor. 

Note: Copies 2 through 5 are identical. The Instructions for Completing the Federal Drug 

Testing Custody and Control Form for Urine Specimen Collection are printed on the 

back of Copy 5. 

Electronic Federal CCF 

 Copy 1 (Test Facility Copy) signed by the collector is electronically provided to the IITF 
12 

or laboratory. 

To facilitate linkage of the specimen package to the electronic Federal CCF sent to the 

test facility, the collector must either: 

o Include a printed copy of the Test Facility copy (i.e., Copy 1) of the Federal CCF with 

the specimen; or 

o Apply a label to the outside of the specimen package, with the specimen 

identification number, test facility name and contact information, and collection site 

name and contact information. 

 Copy 2 signed by the donor is maintained as an electronic file by the collector/collection 

site and: 

o A copy is provided electronically to the MRO 

o A copy is provided electronically to the Employer 

o A copy is provided to the donor. This may be a printed copy or a copy that is 

electronically provided. 

Note: The Instructions for Completing the Federal Drug Testing Custody and 

Control Form for Urine Specimen Collection are provided to the donor as a 

separate page (e.g., hardcopy, onscreen, posted at the collection site). 

Employers, collectors, test facilities, and Medical Review Officers (MROs) who use electronic or 

combination paper and electronic CCFs are responsible for ensuring the security of data 

transmissions and limiting access to any data transmission, storage, and retrieval systems. 

Chapter 6. Verification of Donor Identity 

The donor must provide appropriate identification to the collector upon arrival at the collection 

site. 

Acceptable forms of identification are: 

 A photo identification (e.g., driver’s license, employee badge issued by the employer, or 

any other picture identification issued by a Federal, state, or local government agency), 

 Identification by the supervisor of the donor or by a federal agency representative, or 

 Other identification allowed under a federal agency's workplace drug testing plan. 

If the identity of the donor cannot be established, the collector stops the collection. 

Unacceptable forms of identification are: 

 Identification by a co-worker, 
13 

 Identification by another donor, 

 Non-photo identification (e.g., social security card, credit card, union or other 

membership cards, pay vouchers, voter registration card), or 

 A faxed copy or photocopy of an identification document. 

Chapter 7. Urine Specimen Collection 

A. Collection Site Security 

The collection site must be secure to prevent unauthorized access to specimens, collection 

supplies, and collection site records. A permanent site that is used solely for specimen 

collections must be secured at all times. At facilities that are not dedicated specimen collection 

sites, the area of the site used for specimen collections must be secured during the time a 

specimen is collected. 

A collector must: 

 Prohibit unauthorized personnel from entering the collection site during the collection; 

 Perform only one specimen collection at a time; 

 Restrict access to collection supplies before and during the collection; 

 Ensure that only the collector and the donor are allowed to handle the unsealed 

specimen; 

 Ensure that chain of custody is maintained and documented throughout the collection 

procedure, 

 Ensure that Copy 1 of the Federal CCF is sent to the IITF or laboratory (i.e., paper Copy 

1 enclosed with the specimen and sealed for shipment; electronic Copy 1 provided 

electronically) and 

 Ensure that specimens are transported to the test facility in a sealed and secure 

shipping container to eliminate the possibility of damage during shipment and to prevent 

undetected tampering. 

B. Collection Supplies 

The following items must be available at the collection site to conduct proper urine collections: 

1. Single-use plastic collection containers. Each collection container must not substantially 

affect the specimen collected and must be: 

 Supplied as an individually sealed item using a tamper-evident system (e.g., in a sealed 

plastic bag, shrink wrapped, with a peelable or sealed lid, or another easily visible 

tamper-evident system), 
14 

 Large enough to easily catch and hold at least 55 mL of urine, and 

 Graduated with volume markings clearly showing the volume (e.g., 45 mL). 

2. Single-use plastic specimen bottles. Each specimen bottle with cap must not 

substantially affect the specimen collected and must be: 

 

 Supplied as individually sealed bottles with a tamper-evident system (e.g., using plastic 

bag, shrink wrap, with a peelable or sealed lid, or another easily visible tamper-evident 

system), 

 Able to hold at least 35 mL, 

 

o The split specimen bottle may be the same size as or smaller than the primary 

specimen bottle, but must be able to hold at least 20 mL. 

 Leak-resistant (i.e., have a screw-on or snap-on cap that prevents leakage), 

 Marked clearly to indicate the minimum levels of urine to be poured into each bottle (30 

mL for the primary specimen and 15 mL for the split specimen), and 

 Designed so that the required tamper-evident bottle label/seal from the Federal CCF is 

not damaged when the donor initials it and has no overlap that conceals printed 

information. 

3. Temperature strips. The temperature strips must be capable of temperature readings 

between 90-100F (32-38C). The temperature strips must accurately measure the 

temperature of the specimen and not contaminate the specimen. The strips may be affixed 

to the collection container as supplied or placed on the collection container after the donor 

gives the collection container with the specimen to the collector. 

4. Federal CCFs. An OMB-approved Federal CCF as described in Chapter 5. 

5. Tamper-evident labels/seals. Two tamper-evident labels/seals are used to seal the 

specimen bottles (i.e., primary and split specimens). Occasionally, a tamper-evident 

label/seal will not properly adhere to the specimen bottle (e.g., due to moisture, temperature, 

or specimen bottle material). If this occurs, see Chapter 7, Section C, Step 18 for 

instructions on using another tamper-evident seal. 

6. Leak-resistant plastic bags. The plastic bag must have two sealable compartments or 

pouches (i.e., one large enough to hold two specimen bottles and the other large enough to 

hold Copy 1 of the Federal CCF). 

7. Absorbent material. The absorbent material is placed inside the leak-resistant plastic bag 

with the specimen bottles in case a specimen bottle leaks during shipment. The U.S. Postal 

Service and other express carriers require the use of absorbent material when shipping 

biological materials. 

8. Shipping containers. Boxes or bags used to transport specimens to an IITF or laboratory 
15 

must be securely sealed to prevent the possibility of undetected tampering. It is not 

necessary to use a shipping container/mailer if a courier hand-delivers the sealed leakresistant plastic bags containing the specimen bottles directly from the collection site to the 

IITF or laboratory. 

9. Bluing agent. Bluing agent is added to the toilet bowl and water tank to prevent undetected 

specimen dilution by the donor. 

10. Secure temporary location. It is the collector’s responsibility to prevent unauthorized 

access to the specimen bottles and Federal CCF. Prior to placement in a shipping 

container, the sealed leak-resistant plastic bag containing the specimen bottles must be 

kept: 

 Within the collector’s line of sight, or 

 In a secure temporary location (e.g., locked in a refrigerator or cabinet). 

Note: Specimens should NOT be exposed to high temperatures for an extended time. 

These conditions may affect the test results of a urine specimen. 

11. Disposable gloves. HHS recommends that collectors use single-use disposable gloves 

while handling specimens. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has specific 

standards addressing protection of employees who are exposed to potentially infectious 

body fluids (29 CFR Part 1910.1030). 

12. Paper Federal CCFs. All collection sites, including those using electronic Federal 

CCFs, should maintain a supply of paper Federal CCFs. 

C. Collection Procedure 

1. Prepare the collection site to collect urine specimens: 

 Assemble supplies. 

 Ensure that there is bluing agent in the toilet. If no bluing agent is available or if there is 

an automatic flushing system, turn off the water supply and flush the toilet to remove any 

water in the toilet when possible. 

 Turn off the water supply or secure water sources inside the restroom. 

o The collector must provide a means for the donor to wash his or her hands before 

and after the collection. The collector must secure the water source after the donor 

washes his or her hands and restore the water supply after the collection, or provide 

another means (e.g., waterless cleanser, moist towelette). 

o If a water source inside the restroom cannot be turned off or secured, the collector 

must perform a monitored collection as described in Chapter 7, Section E. 

 Remove any soap, cleanser, disinfectant, or other potential adulterants, and 
16 

 Inspect and/or secure areas or items that could be used to conceal adulterants (e.g., 

false ceilings, ledges, trash cans, towel dispensers). 

2. If a donor does not arrive at the collection site at the assigned time for the drug test, contact 

the federal agency representative to obtain guidance on the appropriate action to be taken. 

3. Begin the collection without delay when the donor arrives at the collection site. Do not wait 

because an authorized employer or federal agency representative is late in arriving or 

because the donor states that he or she is not ready or is unable to urinate. If the donor 

states that he or she is unable to provide a urine specimen, continue with the 

collection procedure through Step 11 below.

4. Verify the donor’s identity (see Chapter 6). 

5. Describe the basic collection procedure to the donor and instruct the donor that he or she 

may read the instructions for completing the Federal CCF (e.g., on the back of the paper 

Federal CCF). 

6. Answer any reasonable and appropriate questions that the donor has about the collection 

process. 

7. Complete the collector’s portion of the Federal CCF (See Chapter 5). 

 Ensure that the specimen identification number on the Federal CCF matches the 

identification number printed on the specimen bottle labels/seals and on the specimen 

package label (if any). 

 Verify any collection demographic information in Step 1 of the Federal CCF. 

 If the information is not present, record the information in Step 1 of the Federal CCF to 

include: 

o The employer's name, address, telephone and fax numbers, and employer ID 

number (if applicable), 

o The specific MRO name, address, telephone number, and fax number, 

o Donor identification (SSN or employee ID number), 

o Specific testing authority for the federal agency drug test (if known), 

o Reason for test, 

o Drug test to be performed, 

o Collection site address, and 

o Collector telephone and fax numbers. 

8. Ask the donor to: 
17 

 Remove any unnecessary outer clothing (e.g., coat, jacket, hat, etc.). 

o The donor must not be asked to remove other articles of clothing (e.g., shirts, pants, 

dresses, undergarments) or to remove all clothing and wear a hospital or 

examination gown. 

o It is not necessary for the donor to remove the following items, unless the collector 

suspects that they are concealing something that may be used to adulterate or 

substitute a specimen: 

– Work boots or cowboy boots, or 

– A hat or head covering that the donor refuses to remove based on religious 

practice. 

 Leave other personal belongings (e.g., briefcase, purse) with the outer clothing. The 

donor may retain his or her wallet. 

o To safeguard a donor’s belongings, procedures may be established to secure the 

items during the collection. These may include: 

– An itemized receipt for belongings left with the collector, 

– Storage in a lockable cabinet (i.e., with access controlled by the donor) or 

– An envelope, box, or container secured with tamper-evident tape. 

 Empty his or her pockets and display the items to ensure that no items are present that 

could be used to adulterate the specimen. 

 

o If there are no items that can be used to adulterate a specimen, instruct the donor to 

return the items to the pockets and continue the collection procedure. Go to Step 9. 

o If an item is found that appears to have been brought to the collection site with the 

intent to adulterate the specimen, use a direct observed collection procedure (see 

Chapter 7, Section D). Note: Document the item found in an MFR (e.g., photograph, 

written description). Return the item(s) to the donor at the end of the collection. 

o If an item that could be used to adulterate a specimen appears to have been 

inadvertently brought to the collection site, secure the item and continue with the 

normal collection procedure. Go to Step 9. Note: Document the item found in an 

MFR (e.g., photograph, written description). Return the item(s) to the donor at the 

end of the collection. 

o If the donor refuses to display the items in his or her pockets, stop the collection. 

This is considered a refusal to test (see Chapter 8, Section B). 

9. Instruct the donor to wash and dry his or her hands under your observation. 
18 

 Liquid soap is preferred over bar soap, because bar soap gives the donor the 

opportunity to conceal soap shavings under his or her fingernails in an attempt to 

adulterate the specimen. 

 After washing his or her hands, the donor must remain in the collector’s presence and 

not be allowed access to any water fountain, faucet, soap dispenser, cleaning agent, or 

other materials which could be used to adulterate, substitute, or dilute a specimen. 

10. Give the donor or allow the donor to select the collection kit or collection container (if it is 

separate from the kit) from the available supply. 

 

11. Unwrap or break the seal of the kit or collection container. You may allow the donor to 

perform this step. 

 Both the collector and the donor must be present. 

 Only the seal on the collection container is broken at this time (i.e., the specimen bottles 

remain sealed/wrapped). 

Note: If the donor has stated that he or she is unable to provide a specimen, at this point 

in the collection, request that the donor enter the restroom and attempt to provide a 

specimen. If the donor comes out of the stall with an empty collection container, he or 

she has demonstrated the inability to provide a specimen. Follow the Insufficient 

Specimen procedure in Chapter 7, Section F. 

12. Direct the donor to: 

 Take the collection container into the restroom/stall to be used for the collection, 

 Provide a specimen of at least 45 mL, 

 Not flush the toilet, and 

 Return with the specimen as soon as he or she has finished completing the void. 

 

o You may inform the donor that the temperature of the urine specimen must be read 

within 4 minutes after the void to be valid. Longer wait periods may cause the 

temperature to be out of range and necessitate an observed collection. 

o A reasonable time limit may be set for completing the void. 

Note: Neither the collector nor anyone else may go into the restroom with the donor, 

except in the case of a direct observed collection (see Chapter 7, Section D) or a 

monitored collection (see Chapter 7, Section E). 

Note: Both the collector and the donor must maintain visual contact with the specimen 

from the time the specimen is transferred to the collector until specimen bottles have 

been sealed for shipment to the IITF or laboratory. 
19 

Note: After receiving the specimen from the donor, whenever practical, the collector may 

allow the donor to wash his or her hands and to flush the toilet. (The collector may 

inspect the toilet for any materials indicative of specimen tampering prior to flushing.) 

13. When you receive the specimen from the donor, read the temperature strip affixed to or 

placed on the outside of the collection container. 

 Do this within 4 minutes after the void. 

 Mark the appropriate box in Step 2 of the Federal CCF: 

o If the temperature is within the acceptable range (32° - 38°C; 90o-100oF), mark 

“Yes” and proceed with the collection procedure. Go to Step 14. 

o If the temperature is outside the acceptable range, mark “No” and perform a 

second, directly observed collection: 

– Complete the first collection before initiating the second collection, including Step 

14 (examining the physical characteristics of the urine, noting any abnormal 

characteristics in the Remarks line of the Federal CCF), and continuing with the 

procedure in Step 16. 

– Record an appropriate comment on the Remarks line in Step 2 of the Federal 

CCF for the first specimen to indicate why two specimens were collected, 

including a cross reference to the specimen identification number of the second 

specimen. 

– Begin the collection of a second specimen using a direct observed collection 

procedure (see Chapter 7, Section D) and a new collection kit (i.e., a new 

collection container and a new Federal CCF). 

– Record an appropriate comment on the Remarks line in Step 2 of the Federal 

CCF for the second specimen to indicate why two specimens were collected, 

including a cross reference to the specimen identification number of the first 

specimen. 

Note: The first specimen and its Federal CCF are sent to an HHS-certified laboratory 

regardless of the specimen volume. 

Note: Both the first and second specimens must be sent to an HHS-certified 

laboratory for testing (i.e., not to an IITF). 

Note: If the donor refuses to provide a second specimen or leaves the collection site 

before the collection process is completed, this is considered a refusal to test (see 

Chapter 8, Section B). The first specimen must be sent to an HHS-certified laboratory 

for testing regardless of whether the second collection is completed. 

14. Inspect the specimen for adulteration or substitution by examining the physical 

characteristics of the urine. 

 Note any abnormal characteristics such as: 
20 

o Unusual color (e.g., specimen is blue), 

o Presence of foreign objects or material, 

o Unusual odor (e.g., bleach), or 

o Signs of adulteration (e.g., excessive foaming when shaken). 

 A specimen suspected of not being a valid urine specimen must be sent to an HHScertified laboratory for testing (i.e., not to an IITF). 

 If you observe any abnormal characteristic(s) that appear to be due to adulteration or 

substitution by the donor, immediately begin a second specimen collection using a direct 

observed collection procedure (see Chapter 7, Section D) and a new collection kit (i.e., a 

new collection container and a new Federal CCF). 

o Record an appropriate comment on the Remarks line in Step 2 of both Federal CCFs 

(i.e., for the first and second specimens) to indicate why two specimens were 

collected including a cross reference to the associated specimen identification 

number. 

o Complete the first collection by continuing with the procedure in Step 16. 

Note: The first specimen must be sent to an HHS-certified laboratory for testing 

regardless of whether the second collection is completed. 

15. Check the specimen volume to ensure that the specimen contains at least 45 mL of urine. 

 If the specimen volume is at least 45 mL, complete the specimen collection procedure 

continuing with Step 16. 

 If the specimen volume is less than 45 mL, discard the specimen and immediately begin 

a second collection using the same procedures and the same Federal CCF. Use a new 

collection container for the second collection. 

Note: If the donor refuses to attempt to provide a second specimen or leaves the 

collection site before the collection process is completed, this is considered a refusal 

to test (see Chapter 8, Section B). 

 When a second specimen must be collected, follow the Insufficient Volume procedure in 

Chapter 7, Section F. 

o When the donor hands you the second specimen, continue with the collection 

procedure, including Step 13 (checking specimen temperature) and Step 14 

(examining physical characteristics of the urine). 

o If the donor is unable to provide at least 45 mL for the second specimen after a 

period of three hours, stop the collection procedure and report the failure to provide a 

sufficient specimen as described in the Insufficient Volume procedure in Chapter 7, 
21 

Section F. 

16. Unwrap the sealed specimen bottles in the donor’s presence. 

17. In the donor’s presence, pour the urine from the specimen collection container into the 

specimen bottles and secure the lid/cap on each bottle. 

 Pour at least 30 mL into the “A” Bottle and at least 15 mL into the “B” bottle. 

18. Place the appropriate tamper-evident label/seal over the lid/cap of each bottle to ensure that 

the lid/cap cannot be removed without destroying the label/seal. 

 The donor must observe the sealing of the specimen bottles. 

 If the tamper-evident label/seal does not adhere properly to the specimen bottle (e.g., 

due to moisture, temperature, specimen bottle material) or is accidentally broken or 

damaged during the collection process: 

o Apply the unacceptable label/seal (i.e., printed with the same specimen identification 

number as the Federal CCF) to the bottle, and 

o Apply a second, separate tamper-evident seal to seal the specimen bottle. 

 

– Place the additional seal perpendicular to the original label/seal, to avoid 

obscuring information on the original label/seal, 

– Initial and date the second seal, 

– Ask the donor to initial the second seal, and 

– Provide a comment on the Remarks line in Step 2 of the Federal CCF explaining 

why the second seal was used. 

19. Discard any excess urine remaining in the collection container after the bottles have been 

filled with the appropriate volumes of urine. 

 The only exception is when the excess urine is being used to conduct clinical tests in 

conjunction with a physical examination that is required by the federal agency. No further 

tests may be conducted on the excess urine. 

20. Write the date on the tamper-evident labels/seals. 

21. Ask the donor to initial the label/seal on each bottle, using care to avoid damage. 

 If the donor fails or refuses to initial the seals, note this on the Remarks line in Step 2 of 

the Federal CCF and complete the collection process. This is not considered a refusal 

to test. 

22. Inform the donor that it is not necessary for him or her to continue observing the collection 

procedure after the bottles have been sealed, and that he/she is allowed to wash his or her 
22 

hands. 

23. Assist the donor in completing the donor portion of the Federal CCF: 

 Instruct the donor to read the donor certification statement in Step 5 on Copy 2 of the 

Federal CCF. 

 Instruct the donor to complete the donor portion on Copy 2 of the Federal CCF: 

o Sign and date the certification statement, 

o Provide his or her date of birth, 

o Provide his or her printed name, 

o Provide day and evening contact telephone numbers. 

 If the donor refuses to sign the form or to provide the other information, make a 

comment on the Remarks line in Step 2 of the Federal CCF to that effect. At a 

minimum, print the donor’s name where indicated. Note: This does not constitute a 

refusal to test. 

24. Complete the collector chain of custody portion in Step 4 on Copy 1 of the Federal CCF: 

 Provide your printed name, 

 Sign where indicated, 

 Record the date and time of the collection, and 

 Record the specific name of the delivery service to which the specimen bottles are being 

released. 

25. Prepare specimen package. 

 Paper Federal CCF: 

 Separate Copy 1 of the Federal CCF from the other four copies. Place Copy 1 and both 

specimen bottles inside the appropriate pouches of the leak-resistant plastic bag and 

seal the bag. Note: Attach any collector MFRs for the specimen to Copy 1 prior to 

sealing in the bag. 

Electronic Federal CCF: 

 Place both specimen bottles inside the leak-resistant plastic bag and 

 Place a copy of Copy 1 inside the appropriate pouch of the leak-resistant plastic bag or

place the specimen package label on the outside of the bag, and seal the bag. 

26. Give a copy of the Federal CCF to the donor (i.e., Copy 5 of the paper Federal CCF, a copy 
23 

of Federal CCF Copy 2 of the electronic Federal CCF). This may be a printed copy or a copy 

provided electronically after the collection. Remind the donor that he or she may list any 

prescription and over-the-counter medications on a separate sheet or on the back of the 

donor’s copy of the Federal CCF. This information may help the donor to remember what 

medications he or she may have taken if he or she is contacted by the MRO. 

Note: This information must not be recorded on any other copy of the Federal CCF or 

on the Remarks line of the Federal CCF. 

27. Inform the donor that he or she may leave the collection site. 

28. Prepare the sealed tamper-resistant plastic bag containing the specimen bottles for 

transport to the IITF or laboratory. 

 Place the sealed specimen bag(s) to be shipped into a shipping container (e.g., box, 

express carrier mailer). Several specimen bags may be placed into one shipping 

container. 

 For specimens that will be hand-delivered from the collection site to the IITF or 

laboratory, it is not necessary to use a sealed shipping container. The courier must 

handle the specimen bags in a manner that protects the specimens from damage. 

 If the tamper-evident label/seal is broken on a specimen bottle after the donor leaves the 

collection site, the collection must be cancelled.

o Notify the agency’s designated representative that the label/seal was broken on 

the specimen bottle. 

29. Send the Federal CCF to the MRO and to the agency’s designated representative within 

24 hours after the collection or during the next business day. 

 Paper Federal CCF: 

o To MRO: Copy 2 

o To agency’s designated representative (i.e., employer): Copy 4 

 Electronic Federal CCF: copy of Copy 2 to MRO and to agency’s designated 

representative 

 The Federal CCF distribution process must be coordinated between the collection site 

and the MRO to ensure that procedures meet the MRO’s or federal agency’s 

requirements. Acceptable transmission methods include, but are not limited to: 

o Faxing to a secure fax machine, 

o Sending a scanned image of the Federal CCF copy to a secure computer, and 

o Mailing or transporting by courier. 
24 

 The MRO or the collection site must maintain the original Copy 2 with the donor’s 

signature (i.e., paper Copy 2 with the donor’s handwritten wet-ink signature or electronic 

Copy 2 with the donor’s electronic signature) for the record retention period specified by 

the federal agency. 

30. Submit the specimen to the IITF or laboratory within 24 hours after the collection or 

during the next business day. 

 If the specimen is not shipped immediately, the collector is responsible for ensuring its 

security. 

 

o For specimens in a sealed plastic bag that has not been placed in a shipping 

container, take necessary steps to prevent any possible tampering or access by 

unauthorized personnel. 

o For specimen packages in a sealed shipping container, take necessary steps to 

protect the container from any possible damage or theft prior to pick-up by the 

designated delivery service. 

D. Direct Observed Collection 

A direct observed collection procedure may only be used when: 

1. A federal agency has authorized a direct observed collection because a donor’s previous 

drug test result was reported by an MRO as drug positive, adulterated, substituted, invalid 

without a legitimate medical reason, or cancelled because the split specimen failed to 

reconfirm the primary specimen results or could not be tested, or 

2. At the collection site, an immediate collection of a second urine specimen is required in one 

of the following situations: 

 The temperature of the specimen collected during a routine collection is outside the 

acceptable temperature range. 

 There is an indication that the donor has tampered with the specimen (e.g., abnormal 

physical characteristic such as unusual color, excessive foaming when shaken, unusual 

odor). 

 The conduct of the donor clearly indicates an attempt to adulterate or substitute the 

specimen. 

 The donor has brought an item to the collection site for the purpose of: 

o Adulteration (e.g., a small vial containing a suspicious liquid), 

o Substitution (e.g., a small vial containing water or other liquid), or 

o Dilution of a urine specimen. 

Before conducting a direct observed collection under Item 2 above, the collector must 
25 

contact a collection site supervisor for concurrence with the collector’s decision for a direct 

observed collection. The collector must make the agency representative aware that a 

situation exists warranting a direct observed collection and explain to the donor why a direct 

observed collection is being conducted. If the donor declines to allow a direct observed 

collection when one of the above circumstances has occurred, it is considered a refusal to 

test (see Chapter 8, Section B). Note: The first specimen must be sent to an HHScertified laboratory for testing regardless of whether the second collection is 

completed. 

 

The procedure for a direct observed collection is the same as that for a routine collection except 

an observer (i.e., of the same gender as the donor) watches the donor urinate into the collection 

container. At the point in a routine collection where the donor enters the restroom with the 

collection container (see Chapter 7, Section C, Step 12), a direct observed collection includes 

the following additional steps: 

1. The individual serving as the observer enters the restroom with the donor. 

 The observer must be the same gender as the donor. There are no exceptions to this 

requirement.

 If there is no collector of the same gender as the donor, the collector or collection site 

supervisor must select another individual to serve as the observer. The individual must 

meet the HHS Mandatory Guidelines qualifications for an observer (see Chapter 1). 

2. The observer must directly watch the urine go from the donor’s body into the collection 

container. The use of mirrors or video cameras is not permitted. If the donor fails to follow 

the observer’s instructions related to the direct observed collection, this is considered a 

refusal to test (see Chapter 8, Section B). 

3. With regard to chain of custody, the observer must never touch or handle the collection 

container unless the observer is also serving as the collector. 

4. After the donor has completed urinating into the collection container: 

 

 The donor and observer leave the restroom and the donor hands the collection container 

directly to the collector, and 

 The observer must maintain visual contact with the collection container until the donor 

hands the container to the collector, or 

 If the same individual serves as both observer and collector, he or she may receive the 

collection container from the donor while they are both in the restroom. 

5. The collector checks the box for an observed collection in Step 2 of the Federal CCF and 

provides the name of the observer (if applicable) and the reason for an observed collection 

on the Remarks line in Step 2 of the Federal CCF. If there is insufficient room on the 

Remarks line, the collector may send a separate explanatory MFR. 

6. The collector continues with the routine collection procedures (see Chapter 7, Section C, 

Step 13). 
26 

E. Monitored Collection 

A monitored collection procedure must be used when: 

1. The collection is being conducted in a public restroom (e.g., when the federal agency’s 

designated collection site is not available and there is an immediate need for a collection), or 

2. The restroom used for the collection has a water source that cannot be disabled or secured. 

If the donor declines to allow a monitored collection when one of the above circumstances has 

occurred, it is considered a refusal to test (see Chapter 8, Section B). 

The procedure for a monitored collection is the same as that for a routine collection except an 

individual monitors the collection by checking for signs that the donor may be tampering with the 

specimen. At the point in a routine collection where the donor enters the restroom with the 

collection container (see Chapter 7, Section C, Step 12), a monitored collection includes the 

following additional steps: 

1. The monitor accompanies the donor into the restroom, and secures the restroom to ensure 

that no one else can enter during the collection process. 

 The monitor must be the same gender as the donor, unless the monitor is a trained 

medical professional (e.g., nurse, doctor, physician’s assistant, technologist or 

technician) who is licensed or certified to practice where the collection occurs. 

 The monitor is not required to be a trained collector. 

2. The monitor listens for signs of tampering with the specimen. 

 The monitor must remain in the restroom, but outside the stall while the donor is 

providing the specimen. 

 The monitor must not watch the donor urinate into the specimen container. 

3. If there is evidence of specimen tampering, the monitor notifies the collector to immediately 

begin to collect a second specimen using a direct observed collection procedure (see 

Chapter 7, Section D). 

4. With regard to chain of custody, the monitor must never touch or handle the collection 

container unless the monitor is also serving as the collector. 

5. After the donor has completed urinating into the collection container: 

 The donor and monitor leave the restroom and the donor hands the collection container 

directly to the collector, and 

 The monitor must maintain visual contact with the collection container until the donor 

hands the container to the collector, or 
27 

 If the same individual serves as both monitor and collector, he or she may receive the 

collection container from the donor while they are both in the restroom. 

6. The collector provides the name of the monitor (if applicable) on the Remarks line in Step 2 

on Copy 1 of the Federal CCF. 

7. The collector continues with the routine collection procedures (see Chapter 7, Section C, 

Step 13). 

F. Insufficient Specimen 

If a donor tells the collector that he or she cannot provide a specimen, the collector must begin 

the collection procedure regardless of the reason given. The donor demonstrates his or her 

inability to provide a valid specimen when he or she comes out of the restroom with an empty 

collection container. Immediately begin a second collection using the same procedures, the 

same collection container, and the same Federal CCF. 

1. If the donor indicates that he or she may be able to provide a specimen if given more time: 

 Offer the donor a reasonable amount of fluid to drink distributed reasonably through a 

period of up to 3 hours (e.g., an 8 ounce glass of water every 30 minutes, not to exceed 

40 ounces over a period of 3 hours) or until the donor has provided a sufficient amount 

of urine, whichever occurs first. The donor is not required to drink fluids during the 

waiting period. 

 Instruct the donor to let you know when he or she is able to provide a sufficient quantity 

of specimen. It is recommended that you allow sufficient time to have only one 

additional attempt rather than having to document several unsuccessful attempts. Be 

sensitive to how frequently you ask a donor to attempt to provide a specimen. 

 Record the time of the attempt to provide a sufficient volume of specimen (e.g., on the 

Remarks line of the CCF). 

 The donor must remain under the direct observation of the collector to prevent the donor 

from possibly compromising the collection process. 

Note: The collector must NOT under any circumstances combine urine collected from 

separate voids to create one specimen of sufficient volume. 

2. If the donor states that he or she is unable to provide a specimen, or if the donor has not 

provided sufficient volume of specimen in three hours from the time of the donor’s first 

attempt, discontinue the collection and: 

 Record the reason for not collecting the specimen on the Remarks line and mark the 

“None Provided” box in Step 2 of the Federal CCF 

 Notify the agency’s designated representative of the situation 

 Discard the urine collected (if any) 
28 

 Provide a copy of the Federal CCF (as described in Step 26 of the Collection Procedure 

in Chapter 7, Section C above ) to the donor and request that the donor leave the 

collection site 

 Discard Copy 1 of the Federal CCF (no valid specimen was collected) 

 Provide a copy of the Federal CCF to the MRO and to the federal agency’s designated 

representative within 24 hours or the next business day (as described in Step 29 of the 

Collection Procedure in Chapter 7, Section C above). 

3. If the donor refuses to attempt to provide a specimen or leaves the collection site before the 

collection process is completed, this is a refusal to test. The collector must follow the 

procedure in Chapter 8, Section B. 

Chapter 8. Miscellaneous Collection Issues 

A. Donor Conduct 

The collector should pay close attention to the donor’s conduct during the entire collection 

process and take the following actions as necessary: 

1. If the donor’s actions or items on his or her person clearly indicate an attempt to tamper with 

(i.e., substitute, adulterate, or dilute) a specimen, conduct a direct observed collection (see 

Chapter 7, Section D) and document the reason on the Remarks line in Step 2 of the 

Federal CCF. 

2. If the donor’s actions clearly indicate an attempt to substitute or adulterate a specimen and 

the donor has already provided a specimen: 

 Complete the collection procedure for that specimen and immediately begin a new 

collection using a direct observed collection procedure, a second Federal CCF, and a 

new collection kit. 

 Provide appropriate comments on the Remarks line in Step 2 on both Federal CCFs 

(i.e., for the first and second specimens): 

o Note whether the specimen is the first or the second of the two collections for the 

donor, 

o Record the specimen ID number of the associated specimen, 

o Note the reason for the second collection (i.e., the observed conduct or found items 

indicative of attempted substitution or adulteration), and 

 On the Federal CCF for the second specimen, document that the second collection was 

under direct observation by checking the appropriate box and record the observer’s 

name in the Remarks line (if the collector was not the observer). 

 Inform the federal agency’s designated representative that a collection took place under 
29 

direct observation and the reason for having done so. 

3. If the donor fails to arrive at the assigned time: 

 Contact the federal agency’s designated representative to obtain guidance on the action 

to be taken. 

 This is not considered a refusal to test. 

B. Refusal to Test 

A federal agency will take adverse action against an employee whose drug test specimen is 

reported as a refusal to test. The collector reports a “refusal to test” when: 

1. The donor fails to cooperate with any part of the testing process (e.g., refuses to provide a 

specimen, refuses to display the items in his or her pockets at the beginning of the 

collection, or refuses to wash his or her hands at the beginning of the collection), 

2. The donor declines to allow a direct observed collection when required, or fails to follow the 

observer’s instructions related to the direct observed collection, 

3. The donor declines to allow a monitored collection when required, 

4. The donor declines to continue the collection process when his or her first specimen has 

insufficient volume, 

5. The donor leaves the collection site before completion of the collection (except for leaving 

before the collection has begun for a pre-employment test). 

6. The donor possess or wears a prosthetic device that could interfere with the drug test, 

7. The donor admits to the collector that he or she has adulterated or substituted his or her 

specimen. 

When reporting a “refusal to test,” the collector must: 

1. Notify the agency’s designated representative by any means (e.g., telephone, secure fax 

machine, e-mail) that ensures immediate receipt of the refusal notification, 

2. Document the refusal to test on the Federal CCF with appropriate comments, signature, and 

date in the Remarks line of Step 2, and 

3. Send all copies of the Federal CCF to the federal agency’s designated representative. 

Note: If the collector has completed a collection, the specimen must be sent to an 

HHS-certified laboratory for testing. For example, the collector sends the first 

specimen regardless of whether a required second collection is completed. The 

collector is not authorized to discard the first specimen. 
30 

Chapter 9. Collector Errors 

The Federal CCF is a forensic document and will be part of the litigation package if a specimen 

comes under legal challenge. 

Paper Federal CCF 

The collector should never use correction fluid on the Federal CCF, and should never 

overwrite or scribble out information recorded or printed on the Federal CCF. Unclear or 

improper edits to Federal CCF information (e.g., donor identification numbers, 

signatures) could compromise the legal defensibility of the document. 

If the collector makes an error on a Federal CCF, he or she should: 

1. Make a line through the erroneous information, leaving the original information 

legible, 

2. Write the correct information near (e.g., beside) the original annotation, and 

3. Initial and date the change. 

It is acceptable for the collector to cross out preprinted information on the Federal CCF 

that is incorrect or inapplicable (e.g., collection site, MRO, IITF, laboratory, or employer 

information). The collector must use the procedures described above for changing the 

information on the form. This may be necessary in the event of unexpected collections 

(e.g., post-accident) or when Federal CCFs at the collection site have outdated 

information. 

Electronic Federal CCF 

An electronic Federal CCF must have a secure, computer-generated, time-stamped 

audit trail to independently record the date and time of operator entries and actions that 

create, modify, or delete information from the time of initiation of the Federal CCF 

(changes should be evident when reviewing the original record, and any electronic or 

paper copy of the original record). 

Collection sites must maintain a supply of paper Federal CCFs. A paper Federal CCF 

may be used in the event of a software/hardware problem preventing collections using 

an electronic CCF. In addition, collection sites should have the ability to print the 

electronic Federal CCF on demand. This capability would allow the collector to print the 

Federal CCF in the event of a problem preventing completion of a collection using an 

electronic CCF (e.g., allowing for handwritten collector and donor signatures in the event 

of a problem with the electronic signature system). 

There are three categories of collector errors: 

1. Fatal flaws that result in an IITF or laboratory rejecting a specimen or an MRO cancelling a 

test, 
31 

2. Correctable flaws that result in an IITF or laboratory rejecting a specimen or an MRO 

cancelling a test unless the flaw is corrected by an MFR from the collector, or 

3. Omissions and discrepancies on the Federal CCF that are considered insignificant and do 

not cause rejection by the IITF or laboratory or cancellation by the MRO when they are 

infrequent (i.e., when a collector does not make the error more than once a month). 

The collector should not access the Federal CCF or the specimen bottles after the package has 

been sealed in the presence of the donor. If the collector realizes he or she has made a 

correctable flaw or omission after the Federal CCF or CCF copy has been sealed in the 

specimen package, the collector should proactively send an explanatory MFR to the IITF or 

laboratory. 

 The collector must take immediate steps to provide an MFR to the IITF, laboratory, or MRO 

when notified of an error. An IITF or laboratory holds specimens for a short time (i.e., a 

minimum of five business days) after the collector has been notified, before reporting the 

specimen as rejected for testing and discarding the specimen. 

Federal agencies must investigate reported collection site deficiencies (e.g., specimens rejected 

for testing due to collector errors).