CPC CPC Quality Assurance & Laboratory Procedures

Question 1

What certification must a laboratory hold to perform federally regulated workplace drug testing under DOT?

Accepted Answer

HHS (SAMHSA) certification as a National Laboratory Certification Program (NLCP) certified laboratory

Answer

Only laboratories certified under the HHS National Laboratory Certification Program (NLCP) are authorized to analyze federally regulated drug test specimens.

Question 2

What is the primary testing method used by certified laboratories as the initial screen for drug metabolites in urine?

Accepted Answer

Immunoassay

Answer

Immunoassay is the standard initial screening method because it is fast, cost-effective, and capable of processing high volumes of specimens.

Question 3

What confirmatory testing method is required under HHS guidelines when an initial immunoassay screen is positive?

Accepted Answer

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)

Answer

GC-MS or LC-MS/MS is required for confirmation because mass spectrometry identifies and quantifies specific drug metabolites with high specificity, eliminating false positives.

Question 4

Why is a split specimen collected under DOT regulations?

Accepted Answer

To allow the donor to request independent retesting of the B specimen if they dispute the primary result

Answer

The split specimen (Bottle B) gives the donor the right to request an independent retest at a different NLCP-certified laboratory if they dispute the initial positive, adulterated, or substituted result.

Question 5

How long must a laboratory retain a confirmed positive specimen before it may be discarded?

Accepted Answer

At least one year from the date of the laboratory report

Answer

HHS guidelines require that confirmed positive specimens be retained for at least one year to allow time for litigation or retesting disputes.

(CPC) Certified Professional Collector Practice Test

(CPC) Certified Professional Collector Practice Test

CPC CPC Quality Assurance & Laboratory Procedures