Quick Reference

Collector Cheat Sheet

Key numbers, rules, and procedures for DOT urine collections — all in one place. Bookmark this page and refer back whenever you need a quick reminder.

Critical Numbers

Numbers You Must Know

4 min Maximum time to check specimen temperature after receiving it
45 mL Minimum specimen volume required to proceed
30 mL Minimum volume poured into Bottle A (primary specimen)
90–100°F Acceptable temperature range for a valid specimen (32–38°C)
3 hrs Maximum time allowed for shy bladder attempts before test is cancelled
8 oz Water given every 30 minutes during shy bladder (max 40 oz total)
Test Cancellation

Fatal Flaws

These errors cancel the test immediately. There is no correction — a new collection must be performed.

  • ✗
    Donor ID not verified before the collection began
  • ✗
    Specimen temperature not checked within 4 minutes of receiving it from the donor
  • ✗
    Specimen seal broken or tampered — integrity of the specimen is compromised
  • ✗
    Wrong volume in Bottle A — less than 30 mL poured into the primary specimen bottle
  • ✗
    Specimen labels/seals not applied in donor's presence — or applied incorrectly
  • ✗
    CCF not signed by the collector or missing required collector certification
Fixable Errors

Correctable Flaws

These errors can be corrected with a written statement — but must be addressed promptly. Contact the MRO or your DER if one occurs.

  • !
    Collector omitted printing their name on the CCF — correctable with a signed statement
  • !
    Collector failed to note the temperature was out of range on the CCF — correctable with explanation
  • !
    Donor omitted printing their name on Step 5 of the CCF — donor can provide a written statement
  • !
    CCF Copy 2 not provided to donor before they left — correctable with a statement explaining the omission
  • !
    Test reason not marked on the CCF — employer or DER can provide a written statement clarifying the reason for test
Problem Scenarios

Temperature Out of Range

Specimen temperature falls outside 90–100°F (32–38°C). Here's exactly what to do.

1
Note the actual temperature on the CCFCheck the "out of range" box and record the temperature reading in the remarks section.
2
Conduct a new collection under direct observationYou must immediately collect a second specimen using direct observation procedures — no exceptions.
3
Send both specimens to the labThe original out-of-range specimen and the directly observed specimen are both sent. The MRO will determine how to handle the results.
4
Notify the DERInform the employer's Designated Employer Representative that a substitution or tampering concern exists.
Do not discard the original specimen. Even if the temperature was out of range, both specimens go to the lab. Never pour out or discard a specimen after it has been received from the donor.
Problem Scenarios

Shy Bladder Procedure

Donor cannot provide a sufficient specimen (less than 45 mL). Do not cancel — follow these steps.

1
Discard the insufficient specimenPour it out in front of the donor. Do not send a specimen less than 45 mL to the lab.
2
Offer up to 40 oz of waterGive the donor up to 8 oz of water every 30 minutes. Do not give more than 40 oz total over the entire shy bladder period.
3
Keep the donor in the waiting areaThe donor must remain at the collection site. They cannot leave and return — if they leave, it is treated as a refusal.
4
Allow up to 3 hours totalThe donor has up to 3 hours from the first attempt to provide a sufficient specimen. The clock starts at the first attempt.
5
If 3 hours pass without success — cancel and notifyDocument the situation on the CCF, note the shy bladder in remarks, and notify the DER. The DER will direct the donor to a physician for evaluation.
Problem Scenarios

What Counts as a Refusal

A refusal to test is treated the same as a positive result under DOT regulations.

  • ✗ Donor fails to appear at the collection site
  • ✗ Donor leaves the site before the collection is complete
  • ✗ Donor refuses to sign the CCF
  • ✗ Donor refuses to empty pockets or remove outer garments when directed
  • ✗ Donor admits to adulterating or substituting the specimen
  • ✗ Donor behaves in a way that clearly indicates intent to tamper with the specimen
  • ✗ MRO-directed medical evaluation refused by donor
Do not try to talk the donor into complying. If a refusal occurs, document it, notify the DER, and do not attempt to persuade or argue with the donor. Your job is to document accurately — not to negotiate.
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