Chain of Custody

Effective Date: [06/21/2026]
Last Updated: [06/21/2026]

​

1. Purpose

 

This Non-Negative Result Policy establishes the procedures followed by Battle Tested Specimen Collections when a rapid drug screen returns a non-negative result. This policy defines the Collector's role and limitations in non-negative result situations, protects the rights of donors and employers, and ensures compliance with applicable DOT and Non-DOT regulations. A non-negative result is not a positive result. This policy applies to all Non-DOT rapid drug screen collections performed by Battle Tested Specimen Collections.

 

 

2. Definition of Non-Negative

 

A non-negative result occurs when a rapid drug screen test line indicates the possible presence of one or more substances at or above the test's cutoff concentration. A non-negative result:

— Is not a confirmed positive result
— Is not a failed drug test
— Does not constitute proof of drug use
— Cannot be used by an employer to take adverse action without laboratory confirmation and MRO review
— Requires laboratory confirmation before any final determination is made

 

The terms "failed," "dirty," or "positive" are never used by Battle Tested Specimen Collections to describe a non-negative rapid screen result. The only accurate term prior to laboratory confirmation is non-negative.

 

 

3. Scope

 

This policy applies specifically to Non-DOT rapid drug screen collections using:

— CLIAwaived INSTANT DRUG TEST CUP/CARD II (IDTC II) — 7 Panel
— 13 Panel Rapid Drug Screen Cup with adulterant testing

 

DOT urine drug screen collections use laboratory-based testing exclusively and do not produce rapid screen results. All DOT specimens are sent directly to a SAMHSA-certified laboratory for analysis.

 

 

4. Reading Rapid Screen Results

 

4.1 Timing
Rapid screen results are read at exactly 5 minutes after specimen contact with the test strips. Results read before 5 minutes or after 8 minutes are not valid and the test must be repeated with a new collection.

 

4.2 Result Interpretation

Result/Appearance/Meaning

• NegativeTwo lines present

  • Control (C) and Test (T)

    • Substance not detected at or above cutoff

• Non-NegativeOne line present

  • Control (C) only, no Test (T) line

    • Possible presence of substance at or above cutoff

• Invalid

  • No control line presentTest did not work properly

    • repeat required

​

4.3 Line Intensity
The intensity of the test line does not affect the result interpretation. Any visible test line — regardless of how faint — is read as a negative result. Only the complete absence of the test line constitutes a non-negative result.

 

4.4 Documentation
The Collector documents the result for each panel on the collection record immediately after reading. The time the result was read is also documented.

 

 

5. Non-Negative Result Protocol

 

When a rapid drug screen returns a non-negative result the Collector follows this protocol:

 

Step 1 — Verify the Result
The Collector re-reads the result at the correct time to confirm the non-negative finding. If there is any uncertainty about the result the Collector reads it as non-negative to protect the integrity of the process.

 

Step 2 — Do Not Disclose the Specific Panel
The Collector does not disclose which specific substance panel returned a non-negative result to the donor, employer, or any unauthorized party. Panel-specific result information is disclosed by the MRO after laboratory confirmation.

 

Step 3 — Inform the Donor
The Collector informs the donor in a professional, non-accusatory manner that the rapid screen has returned a non-negative result and that the specimen will be sent to a certified laboratory for confirmation testing. The Collector clearly explains:
— A non-negative result is not a confirmed positive
— The specimen will undergo GC/MS confirmation testing at a certified laboratory
— An MRO will review the confirmed result before it is reported to anyone
— The donor will have the opportunity to speak with the MRO
— Laboratory confirmation fees apply and will be billed separately

 

Step 4 — Secure the Specimen
The Collector immediately secures the non-negative specimen. The specimen must not be left unattended from the point of the non-negative result through the point of laboratory submission.

 

Step 5 — Complete Chain of Custody Documentation
The Collector completes the laboratory chain of custody form for the non-negative specimen. The rapid screen result and the time it was read are documented on the form. The specimen is sealed and packaged for laboratory submission in accordance with the Chain of Custody Policy.

 

Step 6 — Notify the Employer
The Collector notifies the employer or requesting party that a non-negative rapid screen result has been obtained and that the specimen is being forwarded to the laboratory for confirmation. The Collector:
— Uses the term non-negative only — never positive or failed
— Does not disclose which substance panel returned the non-negative result
— Does not recommend any employment action
— Advises the employer to await MRO confirmation before taking any action

 

Step 7 — Submit to Laboratory
The non-negative specimen is submitted to the contracted laboratory — DISA Global Solutions or MedTox — as quickly as practicable for GC/MS confirmation testing. Standard laboratory turnaround times apply.

 

Step 8 — MRO Review
The laboratory performs confirmation testing and reports findings to the MRO. The MRO contacts the donor to discuss any prescription medications or medical explanations before issuing a final result. The MRO reports the verified result to the employer. Battle Tested Specimen Collections is not involved in the MRO review process.

 

 

6. Invalid Rapid Screen Results

 

An invalid result occurs when no control line appears on the rapid screen cup. This indicates the test did not function properly and the result cannot be used. When an invalid result occurs:

— The Collector documents the invalid result on the collection record
— The invalid cup is discarded
— A new collection is performed using a fresh collection cup
— If the second collection also returns an invalid result the Collector documents both invalid results and contacts the laboratory for guidance
— An invalid result is not treated as a non-negative result and is not sent for laboratory confirmation unless directed by the laboratory

 

 

7. Employer Responsibilities Following a Non-Negative Result

 

Battle Tested Specimen Collections strongly advises employers to follow these practices following notification of a non-negative rapid screen result:

— Do not take adverse employment action based solely on a non-negative rapid screen result
— Await MRO verification before making any employment decisions
— Follow your organization's drug-free workplace policy regarding temporary work reassignment pending confirmation
— Maintain confidentiality of the non-negative result — do not disclose to coworkers or unauthorized personnel
— Contact your MRO or legal counsel if you have questions about appropriate next steps

 

Battle Tested Specimen Collections is not liable for employment decisions made by employers based on non-negative rapid screen results prior to MRO confirmation.

 

 

8. Donor Rights Following a Non-Negative Result

 

All donors have the following rights when a rapid screen returns a non-negative result:

— The right to be informed of the non-negative result in a private, professional manner
— The right to request information about the laboratory confirmation process
— The right to speak with the MRO to discuss any prescription medications or medical conditions that may explain the result
— The right to request a split specimen test if a split specimen was collected
— The right to confidentiality — the non-negative result will not be disclosed to unauthorized parties
— The right to be free from adverse employment action until MRO confirmation is complete

 

9. Laboratory Confirmation Fees

 

Laboratory GC/MS confirmation testing fees apply to all non-negative rapid screen specimens submitted for confirmation. These fees are:

— Separate from the rapid screen collection fee
— Billed by the laboratory or by Battle Tested Specimen Collections as a pass-through charge
— Non-refundable once the specimen has been submitted for confirmation analysis
— The same regardless of whether the confirmed result is positive or negative

 

Clients are informed of potential confirmation fees at the time of booking and in the service agreement. The collection fee charged at booking does not include laboratory confirmation fees.

 

 

10. Confidentiality of Non-Negative Results

 

All non-negative rapid screen results are strictly confidential. Battle Tested Specimen Collections will not disclose a non-negative result to any party other than:

— The donor
— The employer of record or authorized employer representative
— The contracted laboratory
— The MRO
— Regulatory authorities with proper authorization

 

Non-negative results are never disclosed to coworkers, family members, or other third parties without proper authorization. This policy is governed by our Privacy Policy available at www.battletestedwa.com/privacy-policy.

 

 

11. Record Retention

 

Non-negative result documentation is retained in accordance with the following schedule:

Record Type/Retention Period

• Non-negative rapid screen documentation

  • 2 years minimum

• Laboratory submission records

  • 2 years minimum

• Confirmed positive MRO result documentation

  • 5 years

• Employer notification records

  • 2 years minimum

 

Records are stored securely and are accessible only to authorized personnel.

 

 

12. Regulatory Compliance

 

This Non-Negative Result Policy complies with:

— HHS Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs
— SAMHSA rapid screen result interpretation guidelines
— Washington State Senate Bill 5123 — employers may not take adverse action based solely on a non-negative THC result for Non-DOT pre-employment testing
— Laboratory partner non-negative result handling requirements
— Applicable Washington State employment and privacy laws

 

 

13. Contact Us

 

For questions about this policy or a non-negative result please contact us:

 

Battle Tested Specimen Collections
DBA of Battle Tested LLC
14900 Interurban Ave. S
Suite 271 #10005
Tukwila, WA 98168

 

📞 (206) 939-0335
📧 info@battletestedwa.com
🌐 www.battletestedwa.com

 

Veteran Owned & Operated | King County & South King County, Washington

​​

​