Specimen Collection - Controlling for Adulterants

Substitution - Liquids that look like urine, such as soda, tea, apple juice, and clean urine which may be substituted for donor's urine.

Adulteration - Altering the specimen to mask the drug content or by introducing a foreign substance that is known or thought to invalidate the test is known as adulteration. Tests have been shown that the drug screens are highly resistant to many adulterants. These substances may possibly be detected by noting the sample's color, cooler temperature, or odd odor.

Dilution - Attempts to reduce the drug concentration in the urine. Drug abusers can either attempt to dilute a sample with water after the sample has been provided or to flush their systems by drinking large amounts of fluids and voiding several times before the test.

Other - Drug users have been known to be quite creative. Some individuals have gone as far as to use catheters to fill their bladders with water or someone else's drug-free urine. (Infections and damaged tissue can result from such practices.)

Controlling for Adulterants, Substitution, Dilution, Etc.

• There should be no access to materials that could be used to adulterate the specimen, such as soap, disinfectants, cleaning agents, personal hygiene products, beverages, etc.
• Require donor to wash hands prior to providing sample.
• Add bluing agent to toilet bowl water.
• Tape faucets to prohibit flow of water or secure shut-off valves to cut off water supply.
• Have donor remove coat and unnecessary outer garments.
• Require donor to show photo identification or some other type of positive ID.