Specimen Validity Testing & Adulteration Detection Flashcards
7 cards from real CSC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Specimen Validity Testing & Adulteration Detection flashcards as text
What is the acceptable pH range for a valid urine specimen in federal workplace drug testing?
Answer: 4.0 to 9.0
Per HHS/SAMHSA guidelines, a valid urine specimen must have a pH between 4.0 and 9.0 to be considered within physiological range.
Which creatinine concentration indicates a substituted specimen under federal drug testing guidelines?
Answer: Less than 2 mg/dL
A creatinine concentration less than 2 mg/dL, combined with a specific gravity less than 1.0010, meets the criteria for a substituted specimen.
Which of the following is classified as an oxidizing adulterant commonly detected during specimen validity testing?
Answer: Nitrites
Nitrites are a commonly used oxidizing adulterant that can destroy drug metabolites and interfere with immunoassay results.
What specific gravity value, combined with a creatinine below 2 mg/dL, indicates a substituted specimen?
Answer: Less than 1.0010
A specific gravity less than 1.0010 together with creatinine less than 2 mg/dL confirms a specimen as substituted per federal guidelines.
How does specimen adulteration differ from specimen substitution?
Answer: Adulteration means adding a foreign substance to interfere with testing; substitution means replacing the specimen entirely
Adulteration involves adding a foreign substance (like bleach or nitrites) to interfere with testing, while substitution involves replacing the specimen with synthetic or non-human urine.
Which specimen validity test is specifically used to detect oxidizing adulterants such as bleach, hydrogen peroxide, and nitrites?
Answer: Oxidant colorimetric test
The oxidant colorimetric test identifies oxidizing agents in a specimen by producing a color change proportional to the oxidant concentration present.
Within what temperature range must a urine specimen fall within 4 minutes of collection to be considered a valid, fresh human sample?
Answer: 90°F to 100°F (32°C to 38°C)
A specimen must be between 90°F and 100°F (32°C to 38°C) within 4 minutes of collection, confirming it is freshly voided human urine.