Drug Testing Definitions
A
Accession Number
A number assigned to each specimen by the laboratory. This number stays with the speciman it's entire lifetime. It is used to identify and track a specimen every step from the time it arrives to the laboratory until the result is reported.
Adulteration
When a substance has been added to the diet of the individual, or to the actual sample to dilute it and make the test to appear negative when it would possibly be positive without the substance. The sample had been tampered with.
Affadavit
A form that must be signed by the collector to correct a problem on the original Chain of Custody form. For example, if the date was missing, incorrect, or the collector's signature was missing.
B
Background Check
A history check done on a potential empolyee for employment purposes. The types of checks include financial reports, criminal history, motor vehicle history, and social security traces.
C
Chain of Custody Form
A legal document that accompanies the specimen from the time it is obtained to the time the result is reported.
Clinic
A medical facility that can be used as a collection site.
Collection Site
Location where only the sample is collected and then sent to the laboratory.
Courier Service
A ground service, organized by the laboratory, to pick up the samples from the collection site and deliver them to the laboratory. Each laboratory uses an overnight express service, ensuring specimens arrive at the laboratory no later than the next day.
D
Drug Metabolites
A chemical that is released from the ingesting process. This is what is checked for in a drug screen. Particular substances produce particular metabolites.
E
ECIS
Equifax Credit Information Services. The largest national credit bureau operaton in the US and Canada with over 190 million files.
EMIT Screening
Enzyme Multiplied Immunoassay Test. Initial screening with specific cut off levels.
F
Felony and Misdemeanors
A court check for all felony or misdemeanor charges brought against an individual.
Felony and Related Misdemeanors
A court check for all felonies and misdemeanors related to a felony. A related misdemeanor may be a charge that originally was a felony but may have been pleaded down to a misdemeanor.
G
Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry
If the specimen exceeds the initial cut off levels, then it will be sent in for confirmation.
H
Hair Detection Period
90 days. Excludes the last 14 days because the hair is still inside the scalp.
I
Immunoassay
Any of several methods for detecting a chemical substance. In this case, detecting metabolites in a sample.
J
K
L
Laboratory
Location where the specimen is sent and tested.
LabPack
Used to send a specimen to the laboratory. It also makes the postal carrier aware a sample is enclosed.
Long Distance
When a client cannot use their permanent collection site because the applicant does not live or work in the area, a collection site is set up in their area. A collection kit is usually sent to that specific collection site.
Low Creatinine
A level in a urine test that usually indicates a high intake of water before the test. The sample appears to be diluted in some way.
Low Specific Gravity
The weight of a urine sample divided by the weight of an equal volume of pure water. Low when less than 1.003
M
MRO
Medical Review Officer. A doctor who specializes in substance abuse. An MRO is usually used to review positive and DOT results.
MVR
Motor Vehicle Report. A report of an applicant's driving record.
N
Negative Result
A result that idicates that the spcimen did not exceed certain levels of drug metabolites. The average turn around time for a negative result is 24 hours from the time the laboratory recieves the specimen, though this could vary.
NIDA
National Institute of Drug Abuse.
No Test
Result of insufficient sample, or a sample in need of an affadavit.
O
OnSite Test Cup (see picture)
Used for urine collections on the property site. The results are available almost immediately.
P
PatientServiceCenter
A drawing station that is directly affiliated with a particular laboratory. A Patient Service Center (PSC) is the most economical means of specimen collection.
Positive Result
A result that indicates that the spciman exceeded certain drug or drug metabolite cutoff levels. It is usually sent to the MRO for review.
Q
QNS
Quantity Not Sufficent. Not enough specimen was collected.
R
Random Program
A computer program used to randomly select employees to take drug tests. It usually comes as a surprise so the employee cannot prepare fo the test.
Research Request
When a client requests the results of a drug test.
S
Saliva Alcohol Test
A test for alcohol by swabbing the mouth and detecting alcohol in the blood stream.
SAMHSA
Substance Abuse Mental Health Service Association.
Sample Acquisition Card (see picture)
Used for hair collections. Hair follicles are placed here after being collected.
Specific Gravity
The weight of the urine sample.
Specimen Bottle
A bottle that is used to hold the urine sample. It is a small tube that requires at least 15ml for screening. It is a different bottle then the one used when the sample was taken.
Starwide
A discounted program that allows the client to have access to all of the laboratoriess and associated Patient Service Centers Star Systems utilizes.
State Criminal History
Searches the state repository for violations on an applicant's record.
State Repository
State owned database containing files from the counties within the state.
T
Temperature Strip
A strip that is used to determine whether or not the urine is in the 90-100 degree range. This helps to ensure that tampering has not occurred.
TestCup
A cup used for quick, easy drug test results. The donor voids into the cup. The person administering the test can read the results on the side strip and evaluate the results. A strip may also be dipped into the sample and read to determine if the sample is positive or negative. A dropper can be used as well.
Third Party Administrator
A highly dedicated company that is used to make the process of employee drug testing for the client easier. A third party administrator (TPA) can pass along lower rates to their clients because they receive more economical rates from the laboratories and collection sites due to high volume of use. The TPA handles questions, problems, and concerns, allowing a single point of contact.
Toxicology Sample Bag
A bag the specimen is placed in and sealed so is cannot be tampered with.
U
Urine Detection Period
Approximately 14 days depending on drug, dosage, and body type.
V
W
Worker's Compensation Check
Searches the state for any claims the subject may have filed regarding a worker's compensation claim.
XYZ
THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS “SAMPLE” SAFETY PROGRAM HAS BEEN COMPILED FROM VARIOUS SOURCES BELIEVED TO BE RELIABLE. HOWEVER, IT CANNOT BE ASSUMED THAT ALL ACCEPTABLE MEASURES ARE CONTAINED IN THIS PROGRAM WITH REGARDS TO YOUR INDUSTRY STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS UNDER PARTICULAR FEDERAL, STATE, PROVINCIAL AND LOCAL LAW.