Is error correction training required if a drug test is cancelled due to a specimen having an insufficient amount of urine?

•  If the laboratory finds there is an insufficient amount of urine in the primary bottle for analysis, the laboratory will report to the MRO that the specimen is “rejected for testing” (unless the laboratory can redesignate the specimens). Subsequently, the MRO must cancel the test. 

• The MRO should seek to determine (with the assistance of the laboratory) if the specimen leaked in transit or if not enough urine was collected.  Specimen leakage while in transit to a laboratory will not cause a cancellation requiring the collector to have error correction training. 

• If the laboratory finds no evidence of leakage, indications would be strong that the collector failed to collect the appropriate amount of urine. If this were the case, the collector would need error correction training. 

• If specimen leakage is a recurrent problem for a collection site, the MRO may be wise to inquire whether or not the shipping containers used are sufficient to adequately protect the specimens or whether or not collectors are securing the bottle lids properly.

DOT Part 40 questions and answers 1/2002