CSC Specimen Validity Testing & Adulteration Detection 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the acceptable pH range for a valid urine specimen in federal workplace drug testing?
- 3.0 to 7.0
- 4.0 to 9.0 (Correct answer)
- 5.0 to 8.0
- 6.0 to 10.0
Correct 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.
Question 2: Which creatinine concentration indicates a substituted specimen under federal drug testing guidelines?
- Less than 2 mg/dL (Correct answer)
- Less than 10 mg/dL
- Less than 20 mg/dL
- Less than 30 mg/dL
Correct 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.
Question 3: Which of the following is classified as an oxidizing adulterant commonly detected during specimen validity testing?
- Sodium chloride
- Vinegar (acetic acid)
- Nitrites (Correct answer)
- Ethanol
Correct answer: Nitrites
Nitrites are a commonly used oxidizing adulterant that can destroy drug metabolites and interfere with immunoassay results.
Question 4: What specific gravity value, combined with a creatinine below 2 mg/dL, indicates a substituted specimen?
- Less than 1.0010 (Correct answer)
- Less than 1.0030
- Less than 1.0050
- Less than 1.0100
Correct 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.
Question 5: How does specimen adulteration differ from specimen substitution?
- Adulteration means adding excess water; substitution means using synthetic urine
- Adulteration means adding a foreign substance to interfere with testing; substitution means replacing the specimen entirely (Correct answer)
- Adulteration is undetectable; substitution is always detected
- Adulteration only affects alcohol tests; substitution only affects drug tests
Correct 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.
Question 6: Which specimen validity test is specifically used to detect oxidizing adulterants such as bleach, hydrogen peroxide, and nitrites?
- Creatinine concentration assay
- Specific gravity measurement
- Oxidant colorimetric test (Correct answer)
- Surfactant detection test
Correct 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.
Question 7: Within what temperature range must a urine specimen fall within 4 minutes of collection to be considered a valid, fresh human sample?
- 85°F to 95°F (29°C to 35°C)
- 90°F to 100°F (32°C to 38°C) (Correct answer)
- 95°F to 105°F (35°C to 41°C)
- 80°F to 90°F (27°C to 32°C)
Correct 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.
CSC Specimen Validity Testing & Adulteration Detection 1
What is the acceptable pH range for a valid urine specimen in federal workplace drug testing?