CSC Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CSC facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. A donor presents a valid prescription for a controlled substance before providing a urine specimen. How should the collector handle this information? → Not accept or record medical information — proceed normally
2. For a pre-employment DOT drug test, who is responsible for ensuring the test is conducted before the employee performs safety-sensitive functions? → The employer/DER
3. When a patient asks what will happen to their leftover specimen after testing, the ethical response is to: → Explain the facility's specimen retention and disposal policy
4. A collector feels a patient is being coerced by an accompanying person into submitting a urine specimen in someone else's name. The collector should: → Ask the accompanying person to wait outside and privately assess the patient
5. A collector overhears a coworker sharing a patient's positive drug test result with another employee not involved in the patient's care. This is a violation of: → HIPAA Privacy Rule
6. When collecting from a pediatric patient, which assessment factor is MOST important before selecting the collection site? → The child's age, weight, and total blood volume considerations
7. Why is it necessary to have a clear written consent form for drug and alcohol testing? → To ensure the donor’s understanding and consent for testing
8. What is the correct action if a specimen tube is accidentally dropped and the tube cracks but does not break open? → Reject the specimen and recollect if possible
9. What is the correct angle of needle insertion for routine venipuncture? → 15–30 degrees
10. How should equipment cleaning products be selected? → Based on manufacturer recommendations and material compatibility
11. Under OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030), which item is required in a collector's exposure control plan? → Engineering and work practice controls
12. A donor asks the collector to backdate the collection time on the CCF to avoid a late positive result. The collector should: → Refuse and document the request
13. When a specimen temperature falls outside the 90–100°F (32–38°C) range, what must the collector document on the CCF? → Check the 'temperature outside range' box in Step 2 and note the actual temperature read
14. Which document must a collector provide to every DOT-regulated donor before the collection process begins? → Donor notice explaining the testing process
15. What should a practitioner do when regulations conflict with employer policies? → Follow the regulation, as legal requirements supersede employer policies
16. Why is documentation important during specimen collection? → Documentation ensures that all relevant details of the collection process are recorded
17. Which statement best describes a collector's duty of care to a donor? → Perform collection procedures safely, respectfully, and within the scope of training
18. What is the correct response to suspected equipment malfunction? → Remove from service immediately, tag as defective, and report to maintenance
19. What is the minimum urine volume required to complete a federal workplace drug test, including the split specimen? → 30 mL
20. Which finding during patient assessment would indicate the highest risk for prolonged bleeding after venipuncture? → Patient is currently taking warfarin therapy
21. A patient undergoing radiation therapy to the left arm asks whether it matters which arm you use. The collector should: → Use the non-irradiated right arm to avoid the compromised tissue
22. How does the chain of custody protect legal and ethical standards in specimen collection? → By ensuring the specimen is handled according to legal and ethical guidelines
23. A split-specimen collection produces a 'B' specimen. When is the 'B' specimen sent to the laboratory? → Only when the donor requests a retest after a positive result on the 'A' specimen
24. Under 49 CFR Part 40, an 'adulterated' specimen is one that contains: → A substance not expected in human urine that interferes with the test
25. A patient asks the collector to mark their specimen as someone else's to avoid a positive result. The collector should: → Decline and explain that doing so would be fraud
26. Which tube additive is found in a gray-top tube and why is it used? → Sodium fluoride and potassium oxalate, to inhibit glycolysis and preserve glucose levels
27. What is the primary reason sodium citrate (light blue top) tubes must be filled to the correct volume? → Underfilling alters the anticoagulant-to-blood ratio, affecting coagulation test results
28. A collector is asked by a patient's family member to share test results over the phone. The collector should: → Release results only with a signed HIPAA authorization from the patient
29. When assessing venous access in an obese patient, the collector should: → Palpate carefully to locate a vein by feel rather than relying on visual inspection
30. Which anatomical consideration is most important when performing procedures near joints? → Awareness of surrounding ligaments, tendons, and neurovascular structures