Why Your Drug Testing Collection Site Is the Office Clown of Compliance
DOT-regulated drug and alcohol testing can feel like a challenge, but staying in compliance is key for workplace safety. This blog explores three essential levels of monitoring collection sites, from desk audits to in-depth site visits. Follow these practical tips to ensure your sites operate smoothly, stick to regulations, and avoid turning into the office jokester of compliance.
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Table of Contents
Selecting Collectors
Choosing the right collectors can save you from compliance chaos. There are several things to keep in mind when selecting urine specimen collectors, breath alcohol technicians (BATs), and screening test technicians (STTs):
- Services Offered: Do they offer services you want? Can they handle both urine and alcohol tests? Can they come to your office? Make sure you are on the same page!
- Hours of Operation: Make sure they're open when your employees need them. Testing at 5 PM? You'll need someone who's available and dependable.
- Result Notifications: Find out how they'll inform you of test results. Carrier pigeons? Nope, not acceptable!
- Security & Parking: Is the site secure and easy to access?
- Proper Supplies: Do they have the right kits and equipment?
- Direct Observation: Ask about their procedures for direct observation collections. Comfort is key!
- References: A little name-dropping never hurts—ask to see past employer reviews.
Pro tip: Visit the site when employees are testing. You'll see if they're on their game. If not, don't hesitate to seek out a better fit. Compliance is crucial!
The Desk Audit
Too busy to visit a collection site? Enter the desk audit, your low-effort way to stay on top of things. This is perfect for small employers or those with limited resources.
Getting Started
First, gather the essentials: the name and location of your collection site, and confirm that they know you're in the DOT testing business. Check their hours, too—are they open when you need them? And what happens if testing needs to occur after hours?
What to Look For
Establish clear expectations with your collection site to avoid any surprises later. Here's your quick checklist:
- Can you schedule appointments for each test?
- Who's your go-to contact?
- Make sure they have your contact info handy!
- How often will they send you paperwork?
- Is there a secure method of communication?
- Can they do both drug and alcohol tests?
- What will the collection site do if your company needs a collection after hours? Do they offer mobile or on-site services?
- How will they handle tricky situations like uncooperative donors?
More Tips
Review the completed testing forms. Is all the information in order? If something seems off, ask for clarification.
Also familiarize yourself with what counts as a drug test refusal. When issues arise, you'll need to make the final call based on the collector's report.
The Basics of Collection Site Visits
Ready for some in-person action? If you've gone through an audit or want to be more hands-on, this is your chance to see the action up close.
Before You Go
Start by watching some helpful DOT videos on collection site security and mock collections. Then, make an appointment and set aside some time for the visit.
A quick tip: spend some time learning about the steps of a drug test beforehand.
The DOT's "10 Steps" Guide
The DOT's 10 Steps to Collection Site Security and Integrity is a great resource to review for pro tips before visiting the site. It includes site security tips like:
- ID Checks: Start by verifying employee IDs to confirm everyone's identity.
- Pocket Check: Employees should empty their pockets and wash their hands before starting the test.
- Access Control: Make sure only authorized personnel are allowed in the collection area to maintain security.
- Specimen Control: The collector must always keep the specimen and paperwork secure—no exceptions.
- Water Security: Turn off water sources in the collection area to prevent any chance of urine dilution.
- Bluing Agents: Ensure toilet water is dyed blue to discourage tampering.
- Cleanliness Check: Look around for cleaning supplies or soaps that could interfere with test results—there shouldn't be any.
- Foreign Substances: Inspect for anything unusual in the area that could compromise the integrity of the test.
- Secure Areas: Don't forget to check ledges, trash bins, and other spots where contaminants could be hidden.
- Employee Monitoring: Keep an eye on employees throughout the process to ensure everything goes smoothly and by the book.
Once there, ask for a guided tour of the collection process. Pay attention to how many people are in the waiting area—if it's packed, your employees might have to wait, too. The collector should take you through each step of the testing explaining as they go.
For alcohol testing, ensure they use approved devices and keep them calibrated. Since staff can change, make follow-up visits a routine so your drug and alcohol program runs smoothly.
Enhanced Collection Site Review
When you're ready to go beyond the basics, this type of monitoring takes things up a notch. This phase combines proactive strategies to find potential issues and reactive measures to address problems. It builds on the above strategies and focuses on continuous communication with your collection sites.
Stay Proactive
Use DOT Checklists and know some of the key scenarios to review:
- Know when and how to conduct a directly observed collection.
- Ensure personnel are available for this procedure.
- Provide up to 40 ounces of fluid during a shy bladder waiting period.
- Monitor the employees during the waiting period and allow them to stay on-site if necessary.
Build Relationships: Establish ongoing communication with collectors. Regular interactions help ensure compliance with DOT regulations. Consider networking with managers from other organizations to strengthen your program even further.
How Health Street Can Help
With our nationwide network of reliable collection sites, trained professionals, and cutting-edge technology, we help businesses of all sizes stay on top of DOT regulations.
Here's how we make compliance easier:
Partnering with Health Street means you can focus on your business while we connect you with reliable clinics that you can trust. Whether you're a small business or a large organization, we're here to support your workplace testing needs.
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