Pre-employment drug testing has become an essential requirement for applicants upon hiring them. Employers want to ensure that their staff members are absence of illegal substances because drug-related crimes are now prevalent. How much do you know about split specimen testing and the employee's rights to have this conducted when it comes to drug testing for employees? Many businesses are unaware of all that it entails. (Learn more about why employers conduct pre-employment testing)

The Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act (OTETA) was passed in 1991, making this testing technique required for the transportation industry.

When a urine sample undergoes analysis for the presence of illegal substances, a split specimen is used as a quality control measure. In a split specimen test, the employee's urine sample is divided between two specimen cups so that, if the employer choses to do so, a second sample may be tested. Since it's typically a DOT (Department of Transportation) mandate, the majority of businesses automatically carry this out.

The urine sample is sent to a SAMHSA-certified lab and submitted to the Medical Review Officer (MRO), a licensed physician, who conducts a phone interview with the individual being evaluated and gives them the option of submitting another sample of urine to a different laboratory for analysis. (Read more about the role of a Medical Review Officer in our previous blog). In order to reserve enough urine for confirmation testing, a minimum sample size of 30mL of urine is needed at the time of collection in order to conduct a split specimen drug test. The split specimen does not need to be tested if the initial results are negative.

The other container is kept at the lab in case a second test is necessary at a later time while one of the containers is submitted for testing. If a testing error was made the first time, the lab can identify it. An employee has 72 hours following notification to request testing of the second sample. Both verbal and written requests are acceptable. The specimen is considered a negative result if the second sample does not support the results of the first sample that was analyzed.

If you were unable to submit a request within the allotted 72 hours, you may still transmit information on the justification that the delay was brought on by a medical condition, accident, or other unforeseen event, such as the non-availability of an MRO Officer. If the evidence provided after the 72-hour period demonstrates that the request would have been submitted on time, the Medical Review Officer (MRO) may choose to seek a second test. Split specimen testing is not available for an invalid test result.

The primary purpose of the split specimen urine test is to safeguard the donor in the event of a lab mix-up or malfunctioning equipment. Split specimen testing is beneficial to both the employer and the employee since it eliminates the chance of manipulating with a sample to get a more favorable result. When an employee requests a second drug test, they frequently give a fresh sample of "clean" urine that they may have bought or cleansed their system with.

This kind of method is used by companies complying to (DOT) Department of Transportation regulations as well as many employers who are not subject to DOT regulations to determine whether a person is under the influence of narcotics. (For more information on being compliant with the Department of Transportation click here)

Regulating who pays for the confirmation test is now unclear for DOT, which is unfortunate. We suggest implementing a drug-free employment policy that highlights all the specifics of drug testing. The regulations clearly state that a donor can request a test even if they lack the funds to pay for it. The employer must allow the split test to take place despite whoever is paying for the split drug test. The FMCSA mandates that if the employee is unable to pay for the second test, the employer must do so in order for the exam to be completed on time. Then, in accordance with any applicable collective bargaining agreement or documented company policy, the employer may seek reimbursement from the employee.

After the initial 2-5 business days it takes to receive the first lab results, employers should plan on waiting an additional week to receive results for re-testing of a split specimen.

While many people wish to get away, the government has become increasingly vigilant about such unlawful activities. Additionally, split specimen drug tests and other comparable drug testing techniques that provide confirmatory tests are already able to identify any attempts at drug test cheating.

To speak with a representative at Precision Mobile Testing today regarding more questions about a split specimen, call the number below or to schedule your walk-in drug test online today in your local area! #precisionmobiletesting.