Specimen Integrity Policy

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

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1. Purpose

 

This Specimen Integrity Policy establishes the standards and procedures followed by Battle Tested Specimen Collections to ensure that every specimen collected is genuine, unadulterated, and suitable for laboratory analysis. Specimen integrity is critical to the accuracy and legal defensibility of drug test results. This policy protects donors, employers, and Battle Tested Specimen Collections from the consequences of compromised specimens. This policy applies to all DOT and Non-DOT collections performed by Battle Tested Specimen Collections.

 

 

2. Scope

 

This policy applies to:

— All urine drug screen specimens collected for DOT-mandated testing programs
— All urine drug screen specimens collected for Non-DOT employer testing programs
— All Non-DOT rapid drug screen collections
— All specimens collected for individual self-pay clients
— Any specimen in the possession or control of Battle Tested Specimen Collections from the point of collection through the point of laboratory submission

 

 

3. Pre-Collection Integrity Measures

 

Before collection begins the Collector takes the following steps to protect specimen integrity:

 

3.1 Collection Area Inspection
The Collector inspects the collection area prior to each collection to identify and eliminate potential adulterants or substitution materials including:
— Unusual containers, bottles, or pouches that could contain substituted specimens
— Cleaning agents, bleach, or other chemicals that could be used to adulterate a specimen
— Access to water sources that could be used to dilute a specimen

For urine collections the Collector may request that the toilet water be colored with a bluing agent or that the water supply in the collection area be temporarily disabled where feasible.

 

3.2 Collection Kit Inspection
The Collector verifies that all collection supplies are sealed, undamaged, and within their expiration date before presenting them to the donor. Damaged or expired collection kits are never used.

 

3.3 Donor Instructions
Prior to collection the donor is instructed to:
— Leave personal belongings including bags, coats, and electronic devices outside the collection area unless otherwise permitted
— Not bring any containers or substances into the collection area
— Wash hands with soap and water prior to providing the specimen
— Provide the specimen in the manner directed by the Collector

 

 

4. Specimen Validity Testing

 

4.1 Temperature Verification
Specimen temperature is the primary on-site validity check. For urine specimens:
— The specimen temperature must be between 90°F and 100°F within 4 minutes of collection
— The Collector reads the temperature strip on the collection cup immediately after the donor presents the specimen
— A temperature within the acceptable range is documented on the CCF as confirmation of specimen validity
— A temperature outside the acceptable range triggers the out-of-range temperature protocol in Section 6

 

4.2 Visual Inspection
The Collector visually inspects the specimen for the following indicators of potential adulteration or substitution:
— Unusual color — specimens that appear blue, green, orange, or otherwise abnormal
— Unusual clarity — specimens that appear cloudy, foamy, or contain floating particles
— Unusual odor — specimens with a chemical or bleach-like odor
— Visible contaminants or foreign substances

 

Any unusual observations are documented on the CCF. The Collector does not make a determination of adulteration — that determination is made by the laboratory.

 

4.3 Adulterant Testing — 13 Panel Rapid Screen Cup
Our Non-DOT 13 Panel Rapid Drug Screen cup includes three built-in adulterant validity tests:
— Creatinine — detects dilution or substitution with non-human specimens
— Oxidants — detects the presence of masking agents such as bleach or peroxide
— pH — detects specimen substitution or the addition of acidic or alkaline substances

Results of adulterant tests are documented as part of the collection record. A non-normal adulterant result does not constitute a confirmed adulteration finding — it is forwarded to the laboratory for confirmation.

 

 

5. Specimen Handling Integrity

 

After the specimen is collected and sealed the Collector maintains continuous control and custody of the specimen until it is transferred to the laboratory or shipping carrier. The following measures are taken to maintain specimen integrity during handling:

— Specimen bottles are sealed with tamper-evident seals in the presence of the donor immediately after collection
— The donor initials the tamper-evident seals to confirm they were applied in their presence
— Sealed specimens are never left unattended or unsecured
— Specimens are placed in tamper-evident shipping bags immediately after sealing
— Specimens are stored in a secure, locked container if not shipped same day
— Specimens are kept away from extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, and potential contaminants during storage and transport
— The chain of custody form documents every transfer of the specimen

 

 

6. Out-of-Range Temperature Protocol

 

If the specimen temperature falls outside the acceptable range of 90°F to 100°F the Collector follows this protocol:

 

Step 1 — Document
The out-of-range temperature is immediately documented on the CCF in the remarks section.

 

Step 2 — Inform the Donor
The Collector informs the donor that the specimen temperature is outside the acceptable range without making an accusation of wrongdoing.

 

Step 3 — Second Collection Option
The Collector offers the donor the opportunity to provide a second specimen under direct observation. The donor may accept or decline.

If the donor accepts — both specimens are sent to the laboratory with documentation of the temperature discrepancy. The laboratory and MRO determine the appropriate action.

If the donor declines — the original specimen is sent to the laboratory with the temperature discrepancy documented. The laboratory and MRO determine the appropriate action.

 

Step 4 — Notify
The Collector notifies the employer or requesting party that a temperature discrepancy was noted. The Collector does not characterize this as a failed test — that determination is made by the MRO.

 

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7. Suspected Adulteration Protocol

 

If the Collector suspects a donor is attempting to adulterate or substitute a specimen based on visual inspection, behavioral observation, or adulterant test results the Collector follows this protocol:

 

Step 1 — Do Not Accuse
The Collector does not accuse the donor of adulteration or tampering. The Collector remains professional and neutral at all times.

 

Step 2 — Document
All observations that led to the suspicion of adulteration are documented on the CCF in the remarks section including:
— Specific visual observations (color, odor, clarity, adulterant test result)
— Behavioral observations (donor appeared nervous, took unusually long, made unusual requests)
— Time and circumstances of each observation

 

Step 3 — Second Collection
The Collector may request that the donor provide a second specimen under direct observation if permitted under the applicable testing protocol.

 

Step 4 — Send Both Specimens
If a second specimen is collected both specimens are sent to the laboratory with full documentation. The laboratory performs specimen validity testing to confirm or rule out adulteration.

 

Step 5 — Notify
The Collector notifies the employer or requesting party that a specimen validity concern was noted. The Collector does not make a final determination of adulteration — that determination is made by the laboratory and MRO.

 

 

8. Substituted Specimen Protocol

 

A substituted specimen is one that has been replaced with a substance other than the donor's own urine. Indicators of substitution include:

— Specimen temperature outside the acceptable range
— Creatinine level below 2 mg/dL (detected by laboratory testing)
— Specific gravity outside the range of 1.001 to 1.020 (detected by laboratory testing)
— Visual appearance inconsistent with human urine

 

The Collector documents all on-site indicators and sends the specimen to the laboratory for validity testing. The laboratory and MRO make the final determination of substitution. The Collector does not make accusations or final determinations on-site.

 

 

9. Compromised or Damaged Specimens

 

In the event a specimen is compromised or damaged after collection the following protocol applies:

 

9.1 Leaking or Broken Specimen Bottle
If a specimen bottle leaks or breaks after sealing the Collector documents the damage, photographs the damage where possible, and contacts the laboratory immediately for guidance. The damaged specimen may need to be discarded and a recollection ordered.

 

9.2 Lost Specimen
In the unlikely event a specimen is lost in transit the Collector documents all known facts, notifies the employer and laboratory immediately, and cooperates fully in the investigation. A recollection will be arranged at no charge to the client.

 

9.3 Improper Storage
If a specimen is determined to have been stored improperly — outside acceptable temperature ranges or in unsecured conditions — the Collector documents the circumstances and notifies the laboratory. The laboratory will determine whether the specimen is suitable for analysis.

 

 

10. Rapid Drug Screen Specimen Integrity

 

For Non-DOT rapid drug screen collections the following additional integrity measures apply:

— The collection cup is presented to the donor in its original sealed packaging
— The donor provides the specimen directly into the cup without intermediate transfer where possible
— The Collector reads the results at exactly 5 minutes — not before and not after — to ensure accurate result interpretation
— Non-negative rapid screen results are documented and the specimen is secured immediately for laboratory confirmation shipment
— The chain of custody for non-negative rapid specimens follows the same laboratory submission protocol as standard urine collections

 

 

11. Donor Refusal of Integrity Procedures

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If a donor refuses to comply with any specimen integrity procedure — including refusing to wash hands, refusing to leave personal items outside the collection area, or refusing an observed collection when required — the refusal is documented on the CCF and treated as a refusal to test in accordance with applicable DOT or Non-DOT protocols. Battle Tested Specimen Collections does not force or coerce any donor to comply.

 

 

12. Collector Integrity Standards

 

Battle Tested Specimen Collections holds itself to the highest standards of integrity in the collection process. The Collector commits to:

— Never altering, tampering with, or misrepresenting any specimen or collection documentation
— Never coaching a donor on how to alter or substitute a specimen
— Never accepting inducements to compromise the integrity of a collection
— Reporting any attempt by a donor, employer, or third party to compromise collection integrity to the appropriate authorities
— Maintaining DOT certification and completing all required continuing education
— Following all laboratory partner collection protocols and requirements

 

 

13. Regulatory Compliance

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This Specimen Integrity Policy complies with:

— 49 CFR Part 40 — DOT Procedures for Transportation Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Programs
— HHS Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs
— SAMHSA specimen validity testing requirements
— Laboratory partner specimen integrity requirements
— Washington State applicable drug testing regulations

 

 

14. Contact Us

For questions about our specimen integrity procedures or to report a concern regarding a collection 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