Drug testing is by urine sample. Both the observer and the testee will initial sealed containers of the urine attesting to the identifying information and the specimen. Several copies of paperwork will also be signed by each individual and one copy of the form will be given to the testee. A chain of custody must be maintained for valid testing results to be reported. They must demonstrate technical and administrative ability to process specimens in according to federal regulations.
Testing is basically a three step process.
First, the specimen is tested for any adulterants or substances added to the urine to obscure possibly positive results. If any adulterants are found, this information is reported to the employer. The FAA views the presence of adulterants in urine very harshly, as do most employers. Next, a screening test for each illegal substance is performed for each of the five metabolites. Screening levels of each metabolite are relatively high values that protect the testee from false positive results.