DOT Urine Specimen Collector Training and Certification

• Definition: Observer watches urine go from donor’s body into the collection container.
• Conditions requiring observed collection:
  • Invalid specimens.
  • Negative-dilute results with creatinine levels between 2-5 mg/dL.
  • Return-to-duty and follow-up tests.
  • Suspected tampering or out-of-range temperatures.
• Observer protocols:
  • Must be the same gender as the donor.
  • Avoids physical contact; ensures visual observation.
  • Documentation on CCF, including observer’s name and reason for observation.

• Identification of tampering devices:
• Prosthetics, concealed containers, synthetic urine kits.
• Response protocols:
• Immediate observed recollection.
• Noting tampering details on CCF and notifying DER.
• Tools for detection:
• Observation of donor behavior.
• Inspection of unusual specimen characteristics (e.g., color, odor).

• Definition: Conducted under less-than-private conditions (e.g., multi-stall restrooms).
• Key points:
• Monitor ensures donor hands container directly to collector.
• Same-gender monitor requirement unless they are a medical professional.
• Monitored collections require thorough documentation

• Catheterization:
  • DOT tests cannot be collected via catheterization unless the donor self-catheterizes
  • External urine bags:
  • Procedures for fresh voided samples.
  • Privacy considerations for donors using medical devices.
  • Adherence to regulatory guidelines:
  • Collectors must ensure respect and privacy for medically sensitive cases.

• Temperature requirements:
• Acceptable range: 90° to 100°F.
• Procedures for out-of-range specimens:
• Immediate observed recollection.
• Documentation on both original and new CCFs.
• Volume requirements:
• Minimum: 45 mL.
• Insufficient specimens initiate shy bladder procedures.

• Defined as the inability to provide a sufficient specimen (45 mL).
• Procedures:
• Donor offered up to 40 ounces of fluid over 3 hours.
• Collection ends if no specimen is provided within 3 hours.
• Documentation:
• Detailed notes on attempts and actions on CCF.

• Correctable Flaws:
• Errors like incomplete forms, missing dates, or incorrect temperature recording.
• Corrected through written statements and documentation.
• Fatal Flaws:
• Irreparable issues (e.g., broken seals, mismatched CCF numbers).
• Requires error correction training within 30 days.
• Proactive documentation to prevent errors.

• Responsibilities:
• Verify and interpret test results.
• Ensure donors have opportunities to explain positive results.
• Communicate results confidentially to employers.
• Split specimen testing:
• Process for donor-initiated retesting at independent labs.

• FMCSA (Truck Drivers):
• Testing for CDL holders and hazardous material transporters.
• Post-accident testing criteria:
• Fatalities, injuries, vehicle towing, or citations.
• FAA (Aviation):
• Covered employees: flight crew, maintenance staff, etc.
• Testing after accidents involving fatalities or substantial damage.
• FRA (Railroads):
• Covered employees: train crew, dispatchers, signalmen.
• Post-accident testing includes urine and blood samples.
• FTA (Transit):
• Testing after accidents with fatalities or disabling damage.
• Supervisor training for drug and alcohol indicators.
• USCG (Maritime):
• Testing required for serious marine incidents (SMI).
• Results reported to Coast Guard authorities.

• Lab-based testing:
• Gold standard for DOT drug tests.
• Confirmation tests with mass spectrometry or gas chromatography.
• Rapid tests (Non-DOT):
• On-site presumptive positives.
• Confirmation testing suggested to avoid false positives

• Overview of 10 critical steps for secure collections:
• Picture ID verification.
• Securing the collection site.
• Inspecting and securing specimen and paperwork.
• Importance of maintaining control over the collection process.

To qualify for training as a certified specimen collector for DOT drug testing, you must first meet the minimum qualifications set by the Department of Transportation:

You must also undergo refresher training every five years to maintain your DOT specimen collection certification. The renewal training and the initial training are generally the same training.

However, the DOT expects you to stay current with regulations and collection procedure changes between your courses instead of waiting for your refresher course.

Enroll in an accredited DOT urine specimen collector certification course

Once enrolled:

Certified DOT drug testing collectors are certified for 5 years from the original certification date. To remain certified, an individual must retake a certification course.

This training program consists of 2 video modules, 1 quiz, and a proficiency demonstration (mock collections).

Training Includes:

There are 2 video modules equaling approximately 89 minutes. The course also contains a 32-question specimen collector quiz. Finally, the proficiency demonstration (mock collections) takes roughly 90 minutes to complete.

Yes. The course and all its content is available at any time. When you pause your training, the course will keep track of where you left off. Even after completion, you can go back and review the material.

Yes. Your training is valid for one year. All of the material including video modules and documents can be reviewed as much as needed.

Your training certificate will be available to download once we receive the completed CCFs from the mock collections. It can be found in your training portal.

DOT Tests are Regulated and More Comprehensive

Businesses can require a urine sample drug test under the following conditions:

You can use a lab that gives you DOT regulatory industry-approved supplies at a reasonable cost. Some will give them to you for free until the kit is used and sent to the lab, and the kit is part of the fee. You can also order drug testing forms and supplies and alcohol testing forms and supplies online from a supplier who orders in bulk and passes the discount on to you.