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

SVT is conducted by the laboratory to detect attempts to cheat the drug test through adulteration, substitution, or dilution of the specimen.

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

Collectors can observe visual cues such as unusual color, cloudiness, or abnormal odor that may suggest adulteration, and must document these on the CCF.

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

Unusual specimen color must be documented on the CCF as a remark, and the specimen is still sent to the laboratory for validity testing.

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

Under 49 CFR Part 40, a substituted specimen has creatinine less than 2 mg/dL and/or specific gravity outside 1.001–1.020, indicating it is not consistent with normal human urine.

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

Bleach and oxidizing agents are introduced into the specimen by the donor to destroy drug metabolites, and the laboratory's validity tests are designed to detect these substances.

(CPC) Certified Professional Collector Practice Test

(CPC) Certified Professional Collector Practice Test

CPC CPC Adulteration & Specimen Validity Testing