CPC CPC Adulteration & Specimen Validity Testing

Question 1

What is specimen validity testing (SVT) in the context of workplace drug testing?

Accepted Answer

Laboratory testing to determine if a urine specimen has been adulterated, substituted, or diluted

Answer

A field test performed by the collector to verify specimen color and odor

Answer

A secondary test performed at the collection site using a point-of-care device

Answer

A medical examination conducted by the MRO to confirm a donor's test result

Question 2

Which specimen characteristic can the collector observe at the point of collection to detect possible adulteration?

Accepted Answer

Unusual color, clarity, or odor of the specimen

Answer

The specific gravity of the specimen using a refractometer

Answer

The creatinine concentration of the specimen

Answer

The presence of nitrites in the specimen

Question 3

If a collector notices that a specimen has a blue color, what should they do?

Accepted Answer

Note the unusual color on the CCF, complete the collection, and send the specimen to the laboratory

Answer

Discard the specimen and require an immediate re-collection

Answer

Report the collection as a failed attempt and notify the MRO

Answer

Dilute the specimen with water to restore a normal color

Question 4

What is a 'substituted' specimen in federal drug testing terminology?

Accepted Answer

A specimen with creatinine below 2 mg/dL and specific gravity outside the range of 1.001 to 1.020

Answer

A specimen that contains a masking agent to hide drug metabolites

Answer

A specimen collected from the wrong individual by collector error

Answer

A specimen that was stored improperly before reaching the laboratory

Question 5

Which of the following substances is a common adulterant that some donors attempt to use to invalidate a drug test?

Accepted Answer

Bleach or oxidizing agents introduced into the specimen cup

Answer

Excessive water consumed before arriving at the collection site

Answer

Hand sanitizer applied before washing hands

Answer

Caffeine consumed within 24 hours of the test

Question 6

What is the primary role of the Medical Review Officer (MRO) when a specimen is reported as adulterated?

Accepted Answer

To interview the donor for a legitimate medical explanation before reporting the result to the employer

Answer

To order a re-collection of the specimen at a different laboratory

Answer

To contact the collection site to verify the chain of custody

Answer

To automatically report the result as a positive drug test