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 OCTOBER 1, 2010 

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
 HHS Specimen Collection Handbook for Federal Workplace Drug Programs Effective Date: October 1, 2010 

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. Federal CCF Description: 2010 Federal CCF and 2000 Federal CCF.............. 7 

B. Instructions for Use: 2010 Federal CCF........................................................... 8 

C. Instructions for Use: 2000 Federal CCF......................................................... 10

Chapter 6. Verification of Donor Identity................................................................. 11 

Chapter 7. Urine Specimen Collection.................................................................... 12 

A. Collection Site Security ................................................................................... 12 

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

C. Collection Procedure....................................................................................... 14 

D. Direct Observed Collection ............................................................................. 23 

E. Monitored Collection ....................................................................................... 25 

F. Insufficient Specimen...................................................................................... 26

Chapter 8. Miscellaneous Collection Issues ........................................................... 27

A. Donor Conduct................................................................................................ 27 

B. Refusal to Test................................................................................................ 28

Chapter 9. Collector Errors ..................................................................................... 29 
 HHS Specimen Collection Handbook for Federal Workplace Drug Programs Effective Date: October 1, 2010 

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 collector for a Federal agency program, an individual must: 

• Read and understand the HHS Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug 

Testing Programs (Mandatory Guidelines) 

• Read and understand any guidance provided by the Federal agency which is consistent 

with the Mandatory Guidelines 

• Receive training from a qualified trainer for collectors on the following topics: 

o The steps to correctly perform a collection, including the proper 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 security and integrity of specimens, to 

protect the privacy of donors, and to maintain proper conduct 

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• Demonstrate proficiency in collections by successfully completing five consecutive errorfree 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 and must 

attest 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 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 Maintain the integrity and security of the specimen throughout the collection process 

by maintaining visual contact with the collection container 

o Ensure the privacy of the donor 

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

of the donor 

o Avoid conduct that can be interpreted as offensive or inappropriate 

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

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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. 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 

collection may be conducted in a public restroom. The site must have all necessary personnel, 

supplies, equipment, facilities, and supervision to provide for specimen collection and security, 

and for temporary storage until the specimen is transferred to an HHS-certified laboratory or 

IITF, and must have arrangements for the transfer of the specimens to a certified IITF or 

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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 

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• 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 

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 be 1.5 to 2 times the initial drug test cutoff and contain at 

least one of the required drugs listed in the Mandatory Guidelines; 

• Substituted or adulterated blind samples must demonstrate such characteristics 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 completes the donor’s section of the Federal 

CCF and writes fictitious initials on the specimen bottle label/seal. 

• 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 the 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 to the MRO (e.g., the content and concentration of the 

blind samples) to enable the MRO to interpret the results and report them to the agency. The 

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MRO will investigate discrepant results with the supplier and/or collector. 

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

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

Federal CCF when collecting urine 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). 

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 

In the rare instances when the collector, either 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), uses a non-Federal form or incorrect Federal CCF for a Federal agency 

collection: 

• The use of the incorrect form does not, in and of itself, constitute a reason for the IITF or 

laboratory to reject the specimen for testing or for the MRO to cancel the test. 

• The collector must send a memorandum for the record (MFR) with the specimen stating 

the reason why the correct Federal CCF was not used for the Federal agency collection. 

• If an IITF, laboratory, or MRO discovers the use of a non-Federal or incorrect Federal 

form, the collector will be notified to provide an MFR explaining the use of the incorrect 

form. 

• If the collector does not provide an MFR for the record after five business days, the IITF 

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

All urine specimens must be collected using chain of custody procedures. Chain of custody is 

the term used to describe the procedures to account for the integrity of each specimen and 

aliquot (i.e., portion of a specimen used for testing) by tracking handling and storage from the 

point of specimen collection to final disposition of the specimen and its aliquots. For specimens 

collected under the Mandatory Guidelines, the collector begins the chain of custody 

documentation at the collection site using a Federal CCF. 

The 2010 Federal CCF has an effective date of October 1, 2010. 

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The 2000 Federal CCF was published in the Federal Register on June 23, 2000 (65 FR 39155), 

with an effective date of August 1, 2000. To allow for depletion of existing supplies of the 2000 

Federal CCF’s, OMB permitted the use of the 2000 Federal CCF in Federal workplace drug 

testing programs through September 30, 2011. Therefore, for one (1) year after the 

implementation of the 2010 Federal CCF on October 1, 2010, regulated specimens may be 

collected, tested, and reported using the 2000 Federal CCF. 

As of October 1, 2011, the 2010 Federal CCF will be the only Federal CCF for regulated 

specimens. If a regulated specimen is received at a test facility accompanied by the 2000 

Federal CCF after September 30, 2011, the test facility (IITF or laboratory) must treat this as a 

correctable flaw and require an MFR from the collector, or the specimen may be rejected by the 

test facility and canceled by the MRO (see procedures above regarding a collector’s use of a 

non-Federal form or incorrect Federal CCF). 

Links to both the 2010 Federal CCF and the 2000 Federal CCF are on the SAMHSA website 

http://www.workplace.samhsa.gov/

A. Federal CCF Description: 2010 Federal CCF and 2000 Federal CCF 

Both are five-part forms and the function of each copy is the same: 

Copy 1 - Test Facility Copy – sent to the IITF or laboratory with the specimen bottles 

Copy 2 - MRO Copy – sent to the MRO 

Copy 3 - Collector Copy – retained by the collector 

Copy 4 - Employer Copy – sent to the Federal agency 

Copy 5 - Donor Copy – given to the donor when the collection process is complete 

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 

laboratory to which the specimen will be delivered 

• A corporate name and telephone number (the IITF or laboratory that receives the 

specimen for testing will annotate its address) 

The bottom of Copy 1 is reserved for the tamper-evident specimen bottle labels/seals: 

• 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. 

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• Each label/seal must have: 

 

o The same preprinted specimen identification number that is printed 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 each label after it is placed on the specimen bottles. 

B. Instructions for Use: 2010 Federal CCF 

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

providing a specimen: 

 

• The employer and MRO information may be preprinted or handwritten, 

• The collection site and collector information may be preprinted or handwritten, 

• The collector enters the donor’s identification (e.g., social security number or employee 

I.D. number) after verifying the donor’s identity, 

• The testing authority box is marked to indicate under which Federal agency the 

specimen is being collected, 

• The appropriate box is marked to indicate the reason for the test, and 

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

performed for a drug other than the five drug classes printed on the Federal CCF, the 

Federal Agency must provide an explanatory MFR to the collector. The collector must 

attach the MFR to the Federal CCF prior to packaging the specimen for shipment to the 

test facility. 

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). 

 

Step 3. To be performed by the collector. This step instructs the collector to: 

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• Place the labels/seals on the primary and split specimen bottles, 

• 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 Print 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. The MRO will complete Copy 2 entries. 

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. 

• Print his or her 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. 

– There is no requirement for couriers, express carriers, or postal service 

personnel to document chain of custody for specimens during transit because 

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they do not have access to the specimen bottles or the Federal CCF. 

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 following Steps are made at the HHS-certified IITF or 

laboratory: 

C. Instructions for Use: 2000 Federal CCF 

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

providing a specimen: 

• The employer and MRO information may be preprinted or handwritten, 

• The collection site information may be preprinted or handwritten, 

• The collector enters the donor’s social security number (SSN) or employee I.D. number 

after verifying the donor’s identity, 

• The appropriate box is marked to indicate the reason for the test, and 

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

performed for a drug other than the five drug classes printed on the Federal CCF, the 

Federal Agency must provide an explanatory MFR to the collector. The collector must 

attach the MFR to the Federal CCF prior to packaging the specimen for shipment to the 

test facility. 

• The employer, Federal agency representative, or collector should write the testing 

authority (i.e., HHS, NRC, specific DOT agency, USCG) in Step 1. Note: No action is 

taken by the MRO if this information is omitted. 

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

measuring the temperature of the specimen. 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, 

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

• A direct observed collection was performed and why (if applicable). 

Step 3. To be performed by the collector. This step instructs the collector to: 

• Seal the specimen container(s) (i.e., bottle, primary specimen bag, shipping bag), 

• Date the seal(s), 

• Have the donor initial the bottle seal(s) after placing the seal(s) on the bottle(s), and 

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

donor to: 

o Read the certification statement. 

o Print 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. The MRO will complete Copy 2 entries. 

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

required to: 

• Sign the form to certify that the specimen was collected, labeled, sealed, and released 

for shipment to the laboratory in accordance with Federal requirements. 

• Print his or her name. 

• Record the following: 

o Time of the collection. 

o The date of collection. 

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

shipment to the laboratory. 

– There is no requirement for couriers, express carriers, or postal service 

personnel to document chain of custody for the specimens during transit because 

they do not have access to the specimen bottle(s) or the Federal CCF. 

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 following steps are made at the HHS-certified IITF or 

laboratory. 

Chapter 6. Verification of Donor Identity 

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

site. 

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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, 

• 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, 

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• Ensure that Copy 1 of the Federal CCF is enclosed with the specimen and sealed for 

shipment to the IITF or laboratory; 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), 

• 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 

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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 seals. The Federal CCF has two tamper-evident labels/seals that are used 

to seal the specimen bottles (i.e., primary and split specimens). Occasionally, a tamperevident label/seal provided with the Federal CCF 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 

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 and 

completed Copy 1 of the Federal CCF 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). 

C. Collection Procedure 

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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 below. 

• Remove any soap, cleanser, disinfectant, or other potential adulterants, and 

• 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 (on the back of the 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 pre-printed specimen identification number on the Federal CCF matches 

the identification number on the specimen bottle labels/seals. 

• Verify any urine collection demographic information in Step 1 of the Federal CCF (i.e., 

information printed or annotated by the form supplier). 

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• 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: 

• 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 

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– 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). 

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. 

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. 

• 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: 

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• 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. 

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 

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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 specimens 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). 

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

characteristics of the urine. 

• Note any abnormal characteristics such as: 

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. 

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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. 

When 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, 

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 from the Federal CCF 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 to the bottle, and 

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

 

– Place the additional seal perpendicular to the Federal CCF label/seal, to avoid 

obscuring information on the Federal CCF label/seal, 

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– 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 

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 Print his or her 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 Step 4 on Copy 1 of the Federal CCF: 

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• Print your 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. 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: If testing is to be performed for a drug other than the five drug classes printed 

on the Federal CCF (i.e., the “other” checkbox is marked), the Federal Agency must provide 

an explanatory MFR to the collector. The collector must attach the MFR to Copy 1 of the 

Federal CCF to be sent with the specimen to the test facility.) 

26. Separate Copy 5 of the Federal CCF and give it to the donor. 

• 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 (Copy 5) 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 and 

Federal CCF 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 from the Federal CCF 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 Copy 2 of the Federal CCF to the MRO and Copy 4 of the Federal CCF to the 

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agency’s designated representative within 24 hours after the collection or during the 

next business day. 

• Acceptable transmission methods include: 

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. 

• The transmission process must be coordinated between the collection site and the MRO 

to ensure that transmission procedures meet the MRO’s or Federal agency’s 

requirements. 

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). 

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• 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 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). 

 

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 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, 

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

hands the container to the collector, and 

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• 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 attach a separate MFR explaining the use of an observed 

collection to the Federal CCF. 

6. The collector continues with the routine collection procedures (see Section C, Step 13). 

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 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. 

4. 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 

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Chapter 7, Section D). 

5. 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. 

6. 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, 

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

hands the container to the collector, and 

• 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. 

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

on Copy 1 of the Federal CCF. 

8. The collector continues with the routine collection procedures (see 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. 

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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), 

• Give Copy 5 of the Federal CCF to the donor and request that the donor leave the 

collection site, 

• Discard Copy 1 of the Federal CCF (no valid specimen was collected), and 

• Send Copy 2 of the Federal CCF to the MRO and Copy 4 of the Federal CCF to the 

Federal agency’s designated representative within 24 hours or the next business day. 

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. 

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• Provide appropriate comments in Step 2 on both Federal CCFs (i.e., for the first and 

second specimens): 

o Note on the Remarks line whether the specimen is the first or the second of the two 

collections for the donor, 

o Write on the Remarks line the specimen ID number of the associated specimen, 

o Note on the Remarks line the reason for the second collection (i.e., the observed 

conduct or found items indicative of attempted substitution or adulteration), and 

o Document that the second collection was under direct observation by checking the 

appropriate box and writing 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 

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, 

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

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

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

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8. 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. 

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. 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. 

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, 

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). 

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30 

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).