National Association of Drug Free Workplaces (NADFW)

THE NADFW DICTIONARY:

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Drug Terms and Definitions

Chain of Custody:
Chain of custody refers to the process of ensuring the physical security of samples, data, and records in a drug test, and providing documentation of proper specimen identification and handling from the time of collection to the receipt of laboratory results. The chain of custody procedure assures the specimen belongs to the individual whose information is printed on the specimen bottle label. It verifies that there was no adulteration or tampering to the sample, exactly who had possession of the specimen and when, how the specimen was transported and stored before it was analyzed, that no unauthorized access to the specimen was possible, and the specimen was handled in a secure manner.

Collection Site (Patient Service Center):
A facility where an employee, or potential associate, receives and completes their drug testing, by providing bodily fluids.

Collection Process:
To begin, each specimen collection should be completed inside of a secured restroom. Once the donor has removed any personal items and washed their hands, they should select a sealed collection kit. The seal is to be removed in the donor’s presence and the donor should be asked to provide their sample. Once this task is complete, the chain of custody form should be filled out and completed, while the donor is present. Once the specimen container, chain of custody form, and specimen bag is sealed, the donor is permitted to leave.

Mandated Drug Screen:
A mandated drug screen is a screen that tests a specimen for five drugs (Opiates, PCP, Amphetamines, Marijuana and Cocaine). A mandated approved chain of custody form is used during the collection process and a split sample is collected. Both specimens are forwarded to a laboratory for testing. Once the laboratory completes the testing process the result is forwarded to a Medical Review Officer (MRO) for review. Following the MRO's review, results are reported to the designated reporting agency.

Drug Testing Policy:
A policy develops an outline on how the company does their drug testing. It informs employees which types of testing are to be done, the terms and definitions involved with drug testing, and what occurs if a positive test result exists. It also develops a zero percent tolerance of drugs and alcohol in the workplace.

GC/MS (Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry):
GC/MS testing is the most sure method of confirming that a sample may have been tampered with. GC/MS is used to verify any test results that signify any level of a controlled substance. If a sample is suspected to contain adulterants, dilution, or other sample abnormality, GC/MS will identify the exact chemical compounds within the suspicious samples.

Medical Review Officer (MRO):
A MRO is a licensed Medical Doctor with a history of substance abuse diagnostic work. During the MRO's review, it is necessary for them to contact and speak directly with the donor to verify any types of medication the donor has taken.

Non-mandated Drug Screen:
A Non-mandated screen can test for a broad range of drugs. Its 5-panel drug screen seeks out Opiates, PCP, Amphetamines/Methamphetamines, Marijuana, and Cocaine.

Certified Drug Test Administrator (CDTA):
A designated person trained in specimen collection procedures who insures that 1) donors are identified correctly, 2) chain of custody protocol is strictly followed, 3) donors’ dignity is preserved, 4) no sample is adulterated or diluted during collection, and 5) donors and clients receive the best possible evidentiary collection and testing service possible. For more information, click here.

Post Accident Testing:
Testing that is completed after an accident has occurred on the job. Accident can be vehicular or otherwise, which may be due to human error. This may have caused a fatality, serious injury, or considerable property damage.

Pre-employment Testing:
A potential candidate for employment is required to pass a drug and/or alcohol test as a condition of employment. Testing can be performed as part of the application process a) before an proposal of employment is made, b) as part of the hiring process after a proposal of employment is made, but before the employee begins work, or c) shortly after the individual begins work, but continued employment is contingent upon successful completion of the drug and/or alcohol test.

Random Testing:
The testing of employees who are chosen on a random selection basis, with no advanced warning.

Reasonable Suspicion/Cause Testing:
The "cause" required is an objective, factual, individualized basis for testing, such as when an employee's observed behavior or physical appearance suggests drug and/or alcohol use or possession of drugs and/or alcohol.

Return to Duty Testing:
Employees returning from a leave of absence for sickness or injury exceeding a given number of days can be required to submit and successfully pass a drug and/or alcohol test as a condition of reinstatement.

SAMHSA:
Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (formerly NIDA, National Institute of Drug Abuse) is the department of the federal government that regulates and certifies laboratories currently processing DOT specimens. Laboratories with the SAMHSA certification are also available to test Non-DOT samples. These laboratories confirm all positive drug screen samples by GC/MS testing. Their mission is to build, resilience, and facilitate recovery for people with or at risk for substance abuse and mental illness.

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