Collections

Restroom Requirements for On-Site Collection Events

by Aaron Atkinson on July 5, 2011

When it comes to performing drug test collections, coverage is a critical component. At Quest Diagnostics we have more than 1,000 company-owned and operated Patient Services Centers located across the country. Additionally, more than 5,000 third-party sites fill out our network. And while these sites collection thousands of specimens each day, we have seen that on-site collection events at the place of employment are becoming increasingly popular.

We have more than 6,000 mobile collectors available to perform these events. Due to the increased logistical complexity of performing and on-site collection event, we do ask that all requests to schedule these events be received a minimum of five business days prior to the event date. With that said, to ensure your requested date, we do recommend providing as much advanced notice as possible. To receive more information or to schedule an on-site collection event, contact our Quest Diagnostics National Customer Support Center at 800-877-7484.

The information that follows outlines the facilities required as well as the instructions that the collector’s will be following.

In order to ensure the security and integrity of the collection process, restrooms must meet the following minimum requirements:

  • Restroom must be dedicated to the collection event and not available to the general public during the event. The only individuals permitted in the restroom during the event are the collector and each individual donor.
  • Single stall restrooms are preferred although multi-stall restrooms are permissible. If a multi-stall restroom is used, only one (1) stall will be used for the event as only one (1) donor is permitted in the restroom at a time. If multiple collectors are requested, there must be a dedicated restroom available for each collector. On average, one collector is able to complete approximately 6 to 7 donors per hour.
  • Collectors will be responsible for securing the restroom prior to beginning any collection event and again between each donor. If any outside person enters the restroom between donors, the ExamOne collector must do a full inspection of the restroom and re-secure.

Listed below are the DOT’s 10 Steps to Collection Site Security and Integrity which all collectors must follow for all collections:

  1. Pay careful attention to employees throughout the collection process.
  2. Ensure that there is no unauthorized access into the collection areas and that undetected access (e.g., through a door not in view) is not possible.
  3. Make sure that donors show proper picture ID.
  4. Make sure donors empty pockets; remove outer garments (e.g., coveralls, jacket, coat, hat); leave briefcases, purses, and bags behind; and wash their hands.
  5. Maintain personal control of the specimen and CCF at all times during the collection.
  6. Secure any water sources or otherwise make them unavailable to employees (e.g., turn off water inlet, tape handles to prevent opening faucets, secure tank lids).
  7. Ensure that the water in the toilet and tank (if applicable) has bluing (coloring) agent in it. Tape or otherwise secure shut any movable toilet tank top, or put bluing in the tank.
  8. Ensure that no soap, disinfectants, cleaning agents, or other possible adulterants are present.
  9. Inspect the site to ensure that no foreign or unauthorized substances are present.
  10. Secure areas and items (e.g., ledges, trash receptacles, paper towel holders, under-sink areas, ceiling tiles) that appear suitable for concealing contaminants.

Three Ways to Reduce Drug Test Cheating

by Aaron Atkinson on July 20, 2010

Try this litmus test, type “beat a drug test” into Google™ and see how many results come back. The number should be greater than a million.

We recently came across an interesting story and video from a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania news station. The report deals with products designed to help drug users mask their drug use in an attempt to beat a drug test. The story touches on products like “The Whizzinator” and other devices and products used in an attempt to subvert the drug testing process, and is worth a few minutes of your time to review.

As long as there are employee drug testing programs, there will be some drug using applicants and employees who will try and beat the test. At Quest Diagnostics we recommend three solutions that employers should consider to help ensure that their donors’ results are accurate and unadulterated.

1) Specimen Validity Testing. Every specimen that we test is subjected to basic validity testing ensure that the specimen has not been diluted, tampered or otherwise adulterated. We also sell a more stringent validity test called TestSure™. If you are concerned about specimen tampering or adulteration, call us at 800-877-7474 to see if TestSure™ might be right for you.

2) Collection Protocol. One way that users may try to beat a drug test is to substitute ‘clean’ urine in place of their own. Having a proper collection protocol in place including looking for suspicious behavior; displaying pocket contents, leaving coats, purses etc outside the restroom; ensuring that access to water is restricted; and correctly verifying the sample temperature at time of collection can help to detect potential cheaters.

3) Varied Test Types. One of the advantages of doing business with Quest Diagnostics is our broad panel of testing options. In addition to our standard, lab-based urine test, we also offer instant urine testing, lab-based oral-fluid testing and hair testing. Since all oral-fluid and hair tests are observed, a donor’s ability to adulterate or substitute their specimen can be greatly reduced. Furthermore, combining tests, like a urine (or oral-fluid) test with a hair test gives both a recent and a historical picture of a donor’s drug use, and renders the adulteration of one specimen type ineffective at cheating the overall program’s one-two punch.

So while drug test adulteration is a legitimate industry concern, Quest Diagnostics has a number of solutions in place to help you stay one step ahead of those who would look to undermine your testing program.

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