Urinalysis Program Coordinator

Urinalysis Program Coordinator

Certification Course Training Manual

of 19 UPC Training Manual

This manual serves as a teachers’ guide for the Urinalysis Program Coordinator (UPC) Certification Course.

Drug Testing Objectives 1. To teach UPCs the requirements of Department of Defense (DoD) and Marine Corps drug testing policies so

they are able to help their commanding officers stay in compliance with them.

2. To enable Substance Abuse Control Officers (SACO) to explain the purpose of drug testing.

3. To educate SACOs about different drug testing premise codes, their proper uses, and their limitations. 4. To teach SACOs the roles of commanding officers (CO), SACOs, UPCs, secondary reviewers, observers, and

others in conducting drug testing.

5. To make SACOs aware of the qualities of good UPCs and observers.

6. To teach SACOs how to train and provide ongoing feedback to UPCs and observers.

7. To provide SACOs with detailed instruction about how to prepare for drug testing. 8. To make sure that SACOs understand and can demonstrate how to properly collect urine samples while

avoiding common pitfalls.

9. To demonstrate to SACOs how to properly complete drug testing paperwork.

10. To teach SACOs how to prepare urine specimens for shipping.

11. To ensure that SACOs understand how to maintain and document the chain of custody for urine specimens.

12. To provide SACOs with an awareness of common errors or discrepancies that can occur in urine testing, and show how to avoid them through quality control procedures.

13. To enable SACOs to explain, at a basic level, what the drug testing laboratory does.

14. To give SACOs an understanding of requirements for conducting special drug tests.

15. To teach SACOs the steps involved in retrieving test results. 16. To inform SACOs of the appropriate steps to take if a test is positive.

Preparation Suggested speakers related to this section: Prevention Specialists (PS), Staff Judge Advocates (SJA), UPCs, and

Military Treatment Facility (MTF) staff.

Before class, you will need to use DTP or DTP Lite to generate sample drug testing paperwork, including a list of personnel to be tested, urinalysis register, DD 2624, and bottle labels.

For the exercises on p. 10-16, you will need to prepare a set of specimen bottles illustrating specific discrepancies. This will require empty specimen bottles, specimen bottles containing apple juice or some other suitable liquid that could resemble a urine sample, simulated packages for shipping (one with no seal and one with mislabeled packaging), and simulated paperwork with errors. See p. 10-16 for further details

Materials

A full set of the supplies that would be needed for collecting, packaging, and mailing urine samples:

Sample containers, transfer cups, individual bottle bags, sealing strips, black ballpoint pens.

Mock paperwork generated by DTP or DTP Lite (list of personnel to be tested, urinalysis register, DD 2624, bottle labels).

Sample boxes, leak-proof absorbent material, box liner, waterproof mailer, mock shipping label, packaging tape.

A set of prepared specimen bottles illustrating specific discrepancies for the exercises on p. 10-16.

Computer with audiovisual capabilities (for playing PowerPoint).

Dry erase board or flip chart.

Enough index cards or blank sheets of paper for all class members.

Whizzinator or other props related to evasion of urine testing, as available.

Enough copies of “Chain of Custody” and “Forensic Corrections” handouts for all class members.


UPC Certification

Certification

Attendance – UPCs are required to attend the Drug Testing and Computer Training sections (Days 3 and 4) of the

SACO training course. They must attend a minimum of 13 hours of the 16-hour portion of the SACO course that is

designated for UPC training. Participants who miss 3 or fewer hours of the course shall be encouraged to study the

relevant material in their manuals so that they will be able to pass the certification exam. UPCs not meeting this

attendance requirement will have to attend UPC training at another scheduled course.

Certification Exam – UPCs are required to pass the UPC certification exam with a score of 80% or better. If a UPC

fails this requirement, they may study the UPC Manual and retake (a new version of) the certification exam only

once within 2 weeks of their first attempt. If the UPC passes the retake exam with a score of 80% or better, they

may be certified. If they do not pass the retake exam, they must retake the UPC training sections of the course.

Recertification

UPCs must get recertified every 2 years. Recertification includes attending the UPC training portion of the SACO

course, meeting the minimum attendance requirements, and passing the certification exam.

Begin the section by pointing out that while many people think that drug

testing is about catching drug users, the primary purpose is actually

prevention. Identifying users is a secondary benefit of the drug testing

program. SACOs need to understand this point. This will help them to counter

the belief that drug testing is not necessary since Marines are not using drugs;

in fact, drug testing is why some Marines are not using drugs.

Review the USMC drug testing policy with your class by going over the bullets on the next two slides. Make sure class members understand what “random” means (i.e., that whether you were tested last time has no bearing on whether you will be tested next time). This makes it very possible for the same Marine to be selected for random testing twice in a row when his or her barracks mate has not been selected even once. Tell SACOs that they will have access to special Department of Defense (DoD) drug testing software (DTP and/or DTP Lite) that will ensure Marines are selected completely at random for each random drug testing session.

The next few slides describe different types of drug testing and the circumstances under which different premise

codes apply.


Explain the two general categories of drug tests. Most of the testing SACOs

conduct will be routine random testing, but they will also need to be familiar

with other types of routine and targeted testing. They should understand that

drug testing is basically conducted in the same way regardless of the premise

code, but that different premise codes apply under different circumstances.

Explain each type of routine testing and point out the associated premise code. Draw particular attention to the OO premise code, highlighting the various uses of this code. Focus especially on the use of the OO code for testing SACOs and other members of the drug testing team.

Note that SACOs and UPCs will not likely come across the accession premise

code (NO).

Discuss each of the targeted testing premise codes and provide examples of

when you would use each one. Focus particularly on when and how the VO,

PO, and CO codes can be used, and the special issues or procedures associated

with each of these. Emphasize that even though the Commanding Officer (CO)

or Medical Officer (MO) will order testing, the SACO needs to ensure that the

premise codes are used appropriately. SACOs need to be knowledgeable about

when it is appropriate to use each code so they can provide the CO with

accurate guidance.

Key Points:

Only the CO or MO can order a drug test.

The primary purpose of drug testing is to deter drug use.

10% of each unit must be randomly tested each month.

It is important to use the correct premise code for each drug testing situation.

The next few slides address the roles and responsibilities of the various people involved in the drug testing

process.


It is critical for SACOs to understand that they are personally responsible for

running the drug testing program properly. SACOs should understand that

running a strong drug testing program begins long before (and ends long after)

the first sample is put into a bottle. The SACO position is one of leadership, and

failure in any part of the process is attributed to leadership.

Highlight each of the SACO duties shown in this slide. Emphasize that the SACO

is responsible for training and overseeing team members, checking all

paperwork, and maintaining quality control in the collection, processing, and

submission of urine samples for testing.

Highlight each of the UPC drug testing duties shown in this slide. Explain that

UPCs are typically in charge of running drug testing sessions. Emphasize that

the main responsibilities of UPCs are to maintain order and proper procedures

during the drug testing session, to maintain and document the chain of

custody for urine samples, and to ensure that all drug testing paperwork is

properly completed and submitted. UPCs also brief observers about their

responsibilities.

The responsibility of the observer in drug testing is to be able to certify, with

complete confidence, that the sample provided by each Marine is actually that

Marine’s urine. To do this, the observer must keep the specimen bottle in sight

at all times, from the time the Marine picks it up, through watching urine leave

the Marine’s body and enter the bottle, to when the Marine returns the

specimen bottle to the UPC. Observers sign the urinalysis ledger to certify that

the specimen provided is known to be the subject Marine’s urine because the

bottle was directly observed at all times while in the subject Marine’s custody.

This is critical because the observer may be called upon to testify in court

about this process. All members of the drug testing team should understand

that observers are the first line of defense against any attempts by drug users to tamper with urine samples.


The responsibility of the secondary reviewer in drug testing is to quality check every sample to ensure the lid is tightened and sealed appropriately. The reviewer will also look for signs of leakage/urine spill and will wipe off the specimen bottle, if necessary. SACOs, UPCs, and observers do most of the legwork in drug testing. However, other members of the substance abuse prevention team also have important roles. You have already explained that only the CO or MO can order drug testing. Here, focus on the roles of the MO and CO in reviewing positive test results, noting that you will talk about this process in more detail at the end of the section. Also, emphasize the role of the Drug Demand Reduction Coordinator (DDRC) in providing oversight, assistance, and training with regard to drug testing.

The next several slides will help you to review drug testing processes with SACOs and UPCs in your class.

The table on this slide lays out the steps involved in drug testing. Don’t bother

going over the details within this table, as you will be doing that in the

upcoming slides. Instead, use this slide to emphasize that conducting effective

drug testing involves a number of interrelated steps. Orient class members to

the steps that need to happen before, during, and after each drug testing

session.

Now you will talk about each of the steps in more detail.

Assist in selecting drug testing team members. Among the first things that must be in place before drug testing can

be done effectively is to appoint additional drug-testing staff to assist the SACO. Only the CO can do this. However,

the CO may consult with or even rely upon SACOs in making these decisions. Emphasize to SACOs that their drug

testing program will run better if they have good people working with them, and encourage them to work with the

CO in the selection process as much as they are allowed to.

CLASS PARTICIPATION: Ask SACOs the most important qualities they would look for in selecting (1) UPCs

and (2) observers. Write their suggestions in two separate columns on a white board or flip chart. After

soliciting their ideas, add any important qualities that they may have missed (see SACO Manual, p. 5-11).


SACOs also may need to inform the CO about how many UPCs and observers they will need, based upon the size of their unit. As a rule, they should have no fewer than 2 male observers, with a minimum of 1 per 100 Marines. If there are females in the unit, there also should be at least 2 female observers, if possible. Having at least 2 trained UPCs will make scheduling and carrying out testing sessions easier. Ensure that UPCs are Well-Trained. UPCs should receive training and certification by attending this section of the SACO training course, as well as the Computer Training section of the course. Even though the initial UPC training is generally not provided by the SACO, make sure SACOs understand that they are the ones responsible for ensuring UPCs are knowledgeable of and proficient at their duties, and that they receive continued training as needed. Ensure that Observers are Well-Trained. Unlike SACOs and UPCs, observers don’t receive formal training and certification. Instead, observers are trained by SACOs or by UPCs. Again, however, make sure that SACOs understand that they are the ones responsible for ensuring observers are well-trained, even if the SACOs delegate the training to their UPCs rather than providing it themselves.

Maintain Adequate Supplies. Discuss with SACOs the importance of always keeping a stockpile of drug testing

supplies on hand. Ordering supplies right before a drug test can tip off unit members that a test is about to occur,

allowing them time to take steps to avoid getting caught. If storage is not a problem, recommend maintaining

enough supplies to test twice the strength of the unit at all times.

Water should be counted among the crucial supplies. SACOs should keep on hand a supply of individual, sealed water bottles. Individual bottles are best because a larger bottle may become contaminated and could receive greater scrutiny in the event of a court action. This is a good time to tell SACOs how to order supplies at your installation and how long it generally takes to receive them. This will vary across installations.

Obtain Written Testing Orders. Discuss the need to consult with the CO to

schedule tests, and the importance of obtaining and maintaining records of the

CO’s testing orders. Emphasize that it is essential to get all testing orders in

writing and to keep them on file in case there is ever a legal question about

whether a test was properly ordered.


Spend a few minutes going over these examples.

Schedule Staff to Run the Testing Session. Once the test has been scheduled, make sure to arrange for adequate staff (UPCs and observers) to run the testing session. Testing Must Be Unpredictable! Explain to class members that a drug testing program will be an effective deterrent to illegal drug use only if random testing is perceived as truly unpredictable. For this reason, there should be no pattern in which tests are conducted in terms of day of the month or day of the week, and testing should not be linked to liberty. Testing will also be more effective if it is perceived as happening frequently. For this reason, it is better to conduct testing of a smaller percentage of personnel every week or two rather than 10% once per month. This also helps to avoid being out of compliance with the Marine Corps Order if a problem comes up with a particular testing session. If the CO is not aware of these issues, the SACO may need to tactfully explain how to make the testing schedule more effective by making testing more frequent and less predictable. After a drug testing session has been scheduled, other preparations must take place before drug testing can occur.

Tell SACOs part of the preparation process involves identifying an appropriate location for testing, including space for the UPC station, a waiting area, and a head or heads. Describe the characteristics of a good testing location. Note that the size of the space needed will depend on the number of Marines to be tested. Describe to SACOs the supplies that will be needed at testing sessions. Give them any necessary installation-specific information about where and how to get supplies.

Suggest that SACOs or UPCs make a habit of bringing extra supplies to each drug testing session in case problems arise. Suggest that they bring at least 10 extra sample bottles, 3 extra female transfer cups, 10 extra pieces of red tamper-resistant tape, and 3 black ballpoint pens.


DEMONSTRATION. Walk SACOs through the process of preparing bottles and shipping containers prior to

specimen collection. Use the supplies that you brought with you to demonstrate proper procedures.

Discuss each of the duties listed on this slide in turn.

Notifying Marines of Testing. Recommend that Marines are notified no more than 2 hours prior to testing.

Notification can be made in person, through email, or by phone. The notification should include the testing time

and location. In addition, Marines should be reminded to bring their IDs, but not to bring other personal items,

including backpacks, bags, camelbaks, water bottles, or other beverages.

Securing and Stocking the Testing Location. Note that securing the testing area and bringing supplies to the area should be done shortly before testing, and no more than 2 hours prior to testing, to avoid tipping off personnel that testing is about to occur. Briefing UPCs and Observers. Inform SACOs that UPCs and observers must sign briefing sheets before each session to document that they fully understand the duties required of them. Spend a few minutes going over this form in some detail. The next slide is used for demonstration of a SACO (or UPC) briefing observers before a drug testing session.

Note that this demonstration can provide a good overview of what should happen during a drug testing session. You and other staff members should act out the observer briefing. This would

involve acting out the entire process of collecting urine samples, beginning

with the SACO (or UPC) briefing the observer and continuing through the

return of the observer and subject Marine, with his or her sample, to the UPC

station and completing the necessary paperwork. This should not involve any

actual production of fluid or display of body parts.

The next couple of slides focus on problems that can arise during drug testing, and how to handle them.

Many problems can arise during drug testing, as users attempt to “game the

system.” Discuss with SACOs some ways that Marines might try to tamper with

their urine samples. Clearly define adulteration, dilution, and substitution,

providing examples of each. Show class members paraphernalia (e.g., a

Whizzinator) if you have it. Emphasize that most of these attempts can be

thwarted if the drug testing team maintains clear control over the samples and

stays observant. Discuss how the measures listed on this slide work to prevent

Marines from being able to tamper with their samples.


SACOs should understand that Marines who tamper with their samples or refuse to provide samples should not disrupt the process of collecting samples from the other Marines.

Below are some suggestions about what could be done in each situation listed on the slide.

EXAMPLE 1: A Marine refuses to provide a sample.

Possible Response: Tell the Marine that he or she is violating a direct order from the CO and that this will have to be taken up the chain of command. The SACO or UPC should document the refusal. If practical, the SACO or UPC can send another Marine who has completed the testing process to notify the refusing Marine’s immediate supervisor. In addition, the SACO should report the Marine’s refusal to the CO as soon as possible.

EXAMPLE 2: A Marine says he or she is not able to provide a urine sample.

Possible Response: Marines who have difficulty providing a sample should remain in the testing location until they are able to do so. They should be given no more than 12 oz of water to assist their fluid production. The Marine should not be allowed to drink anything other than the water provided to them.

EXAMPLE 3: While urinating, a Marine drops his or her bottle in the urinal/toilet.

Possible Response: That bottle should be discarded. The Marine and observer should return to the UPC station and repeat the process of selecting a new bottle, etc. The observer should note in the “Comments and Disposition” column of the testing register that this happened.

EXAMPLE 4: The Marine puts his or her finger into the bottle during or after sample collection.

Possible Response: The observer should note this in the “Comments and Disposition” column of the testing register.

EXAMPLE 5: The observer sees a Marine attempting to substitute another bottle of urine for his or her sample.

Possible Response: The observer should report this to the UPC and note it in the “Comments and Disposition” column of the testing register.

EXAMPLE 6: A Marine offers the observer a substantial bribe.

Possible Response: The observer should refuse the offer and report this to the UPC and in the “Comments and

Disposition” column of the testing register.

EXERCISE: Problems During Drug Testing For this exercise, class members will play the role of an observer, considering how they would respond if difficult situations arose. Go through each situation listed, reading it aloud to the class and asking them what they would do if they were an observer or UPC in that situation. Spend some time on each scenario, and feel free to add additional situations of your own to the list provided here.


For this slide, emphasize that security and control are critical issues before, during, and after specimen collection. Specimen bottles, other supplies, and paperwork should be under control of drug testing personnel at all times to prevent tampering and maintain the chain of custody.

Explain to SACOs that they should periodically drop in on drug testing sessions to observe their UPCs and observers. If there is an observer of the opposite sex, the SACO should watch the observer en route to and from the head, and find another SACO or qualified person of the same sex as the observer to assess the observer’s performance during specimen collection. It is very important that SACOs monitor team members regularly (at least quarterly), and give them feedback on what they are doing right and wrong.

Pause here to ask if there are any questions about the specimen collection process. The next several slides focus on proper completion of the drug testing paperwork.

Distribute the “Drug Testing Paperwork” handout to class members, and go over the paperwork for which SACOs are responsible. Personnel Roster. Explain that the roster of personnel to be tested is used to track Marines required to attend each session. This list can be useful for notifying Marines of their scheduled testing sessions and can also be used to check that all scheduled Marines attended the required session. Testing Register. The testing register is used at the time of drug testing. The register must be signed by both the subject Marine who provides a urine sample and the observer who watched the Marine provide the sample. The

subject Marine’s signature verifies that his or her information is correct on the form. The observer’s signature certifies that the sample provided belongs to the subject Marine. The observer is able to attest to this because he or she watched the bottle at all times while it was in the subject Marine’s custody, before, during, and after the sample was provided. It is important to note that the testing register also provides a place for the observer to describe any unusual behavior by the Marine while he or she was under observation, or any other relevant comments. Give some examples of the types of things that should be noted in the “Comments and Disposition” column (e.g., “reports prescription for pain meds” or “acted very nervous and sweated profusely”). Encourage SACOs, UPCs, and observers to use this field to provide information about anything that seems unusual or suspicious.


Bottle Labels. Bottle labels are initialed by both the subject Marine and the observer before being affixed to the specimen bottle. Again, this certifies that the information on the label is accurate and that the specimen was provided by the subject Marine. DD-2624. The DD 2624 is used to record the chain of custody of the urine samples. This form is used to record any transfer of samples from the hands of one person to another, from a person into or out of storage, or delivery to the lab or post office. This is an important document for any legal proceedings to rule out the possibility that samples could have been tampered with after they were provided. Next, discuss the concept of “chain of custody” in greater detail.

Note that the Marine providing a sample has custody of the specimen bottle from the minute he or she picks it up until he or she returns it to the UPC. The observer never has custody of the specimen bottle, but watches it in order to attest that the sample was not tampered with or altered. When the secondary review is conducted, Marine places his or her specimen bottle in the shipping box maintained by the UPC, and the UPC takes custody of the sample. This custody is maintained until the UPC places the samples in storage, turns them over to the SACO, or delivers or mails them to a drug testing lab. Make sure that class members understand that each transition of custody, to include storage, must be documented on the DD 2624, up to and including

shipping. Every transfer of a specimen must be documented on this form. Also, note that no one involved in the process of collecting samples (SACOs, Assistant SACOs, UPCs, or observers) should ever have custody of their own urine samples except during the process of providing the sample.


EXERCISE: Chain of Custody

This exercise will make use of the “Chain of Custody” handout, which consists of 4 blank copies of the back side of the DD 2624. Remind students that every handoff of samples must be documented on this form. Give students 10-15 minutes to complete the chain of custody documentation for each of the situations listed on the slide.

Once students have finished, go over the correct answers, provided on the following 4 slides.

Be sure to take a few minutes after this exercise to answer any questions students may have about how to record

specific circumstances on the DD 2624.


Next, go over some of the common problems with drug testing paperwork reported by the Navy Drug Testing Labs, using the list below. Be sure to have class members look at the relevant sections of the paperwork, referring back to the “Drug Testing Paperwork” that you distributed previously.

Illegible information or information written in wrong color of ink.

Failure to date and sign in block 12 for changes in chain of custody.

Incorrect or missing DD 2624 entries (e.g., UIC, RUC, Unit PLAD).

Missing signature on DD 2624 or missing initials on bottle label.

EDIPIs on label and DD 2624 don’t match.

Batch or specimen number missing from DD 2624 or bottle label.

Specimen listed but not sent or corrected on DD 2624. As you go over these problems, give class members the opportunity to ask any questions they may have.

Emphasize that UPCs and SACOs must be meticulous in making sure that all drug testing paperwork is complete and accurate. Any errors in the paperwork can damage the credibility of the drug testing program and call test results into question. There are several errors that can cause problems. SACOs and UPCs must be vigilant concerning these, and know how to correct them. Explain the steps involved in making forensic corrections, as listed on the slide. Note that this is a very precise and specific process, and that it must be done in exactly the way described. Mention that forensic corrections can be made to

the urinalysis ledger, the DD 2624, and/or bottle labels. Explain to class members that certain types of errors can and should be identified at the time of testing. If they are properly identified, they can be forensically corrected and test results will be considered valid. As listed on the slide, these types of errors include:

1. Errors in a Marine’s identifying information, such as the Marine’s name or ID number. This problem typically will be identified by the Marine himself or herself. To make sure such errors are identified, it is important that each Marine tested carefully checks the testing register and bottle label for accuracy before signing or initialing them. If an error is detected, it must be forensically corrected.

How to correct: Using a black ballpoint pen, cross out the information in error (making sure it is still legible); write in the correct information; initial and date.

2. Failure of a Marine scheduled for testing to appear for testing. If this happens, a Marine’s name will appear on the drug testing paperwork but you will not have collected a sample. Removing the absent Marine from the drug testing paperwork also requires a forensic correction.

How to correct: Using a black ballpoint pen, cross out all information on the testing register and DD 2624; initial and date; note why the Marine did not appear for testing, if known.


If these errors are not caught and forensically corrected at the time of testing, the test result is likely to be

invalidated.

EXERCISE: Forensic Corrections

This exercise will use the Drug Testing Paperwork handout that you distributed previously. Ask class members to correct the paperwork to reflect the two problems listed on the slide. Give them 5-10 minutes to do this. When they have finished, show the correct changes to each form, as reflected on the slides that follow.

First, discuss changes made to the testing register. Go over with

class members the exact manner in which these corrections

should be made.

Next, go over corrections to the bottle labels. Note that there is

no need to correct the label of the Marine who did not come to

the testing session (the label on the right). Because there is no

specimen bottle to put this label on, this label will be destroyed.


Then, go over how the forensic corrections should have been made on the DD 2624. Finally, go over the corrected testing register. Emphasize the return date for leave so Marine can be tested. Also note the reason for time, month, day, and year of collection. Make sure to answer any questions class members have about how to make corrections. Emphasize that failing to make these corrections in the correct way can provide a legal loophole for drug users seeking to avoid the consequences of their actions.

Next, you will discuss proper packing and shipping of urine specimens. Emphasize that this is a critical part of the drug testing process. Failure to pack or ship properly can result in challenges to the validity of test results. Instruct SACOs that samples should be shipped as soon as possible after they are collected. However, let them

know that they still should send samples to the lab even if they have been delayed. Drug testing is likely to provide

valid results even if significant time has passed between when samples were collected and when they were tested.


DEMONSTRATION: Packing & Shipping

In this demonstration, you will show students proper packing and shipping procedures. You will need all of the shipping supplies listed in the “Preparation/Materials” section at the beginning of this module, including sample containers, bags, bottle sealing strips, black ballpoint pens and copies of the mock DD 2624. Before teaching this exercise, you should be highly familiar with the shipping instructions provided in MCO 5300.17A. This may require you to practice prior to conducting the demonstration. Use fake samples, properly prepared (with labels and tamper-resistant tape) to demonstrate the proper way to pack samples for shipping. Allow class members to come up to the table where you have done this demonstration to look more closely at how the specimens have been packed for shipping. After showing them the right way to do it, discuss some of the common problems that you’ve seen or heard about from the lab when it comes to packing and shipping errors. Some examples include:

‒ Forgetting to include the DD 2624 ‒ Forgetting to include the last change in custody (shipping) on the DD 2624 ‒ Not using the proper tape ‒ Not writing “Clinical Specimens - Urine Samples” on the box

At the end of this exercise, remind SACOs that their packaged samples will generally be sent to the lab through

the U.S. Postal Service. However, if the process is different at your installation, provide them with details of how

it is done there.

Key Points:

Proper packing and shipping of samples is essential to ensuring the integrity of the drug testing process.

Samples should be shipped as soon as possible after they are collected.

The DD 2624 should document all transfers of specimens including transfer to the shipping carrier.

Next, you will explain to students what happens at the drug testing lab.

Walk SACOs through what happens to samples at the drug testing lab.

Emphasize that every part of the process is conducted with extreme attention

to detail. When mentioning secondary testing of samples that are positive on

initial screening, note that this testing will confirm the presence of drugs by

their chemical structure and determine the amount of substance in the urine.

Also note that positive samples are retained for 1 year in frozen storage and

the command can request the original bottle for legal purposes as well as

retests. Mention that experts from the drug labs are sometimes called upon to

testify in court proceedings.

Key Points:

The Navy Drug Screening Lab (NDSL) has a thorough and precise process for ensuring the accuracy of test results.

NDSL does not make a determination of the legality of any substance found in the sample; only the presence and amount of the substance are determined.


Next, you will explain to students how special drug testing differs from standard testing.

So far, the focus on standard drug testing, which can reveal the presence of a wide range of commonly abused

drugs.

Explain to SACOs that special drug testing focuses on a specific substance (such as steroids or bath salts) that is not part of the standard panel of drugs included in drug testing.

Explain the following facts about special testing, providing additional details as appropriate: 1. Testing procedures are generally the same for special and routine testing. 2. There are limits on the number of special tests that can be conducted. 3. Permission from HQMC is required to conduct special tests. 4. Paperwork is slightly different for “special” than for routine testing. 5. Special tests can be conducted only under the premise codes VO, PO, and CO. 6. Some special tests are performed at outside labs rather than at the usual DoD drug testing laboratories.

Make students aware that special testing can be done for a number of drugs that are not included in the standard drug-testing panel. These include anabolic steroids, ketamine, GHB, bath salts, barbiturates, and psilocybin mushrooms, among others. Emphasize that prior approval is required to test for any drug that is not part of the standard drug testing panel. Remind them that you can assist them with this if it comes up. Make sure that SACOs know that if a sample is to be subjected to both standard and special testing, it may be

necessary to collect a larger-than-normal urine sample. This will be the case if standard testing and special testing

will be done at separate labs. For example, steroid testing requires 60 ml (or ideally, 75) of urine because the

sample is first sent to NDSL, Great Lakes for standard testing. NDSL then sends part of the sample on to the Sports

Medicine Research & Testing Laboratory (SMRTL) for steroid testing.

The next few slides discuss what happens after drug testing.

Key Points:

Set up and sample collection is the same for special testing and standard testing.

Special drug tests require different paperwork and authorizations than standard testing.

Only 3 premise codes (VO, PO, and CO) can be used to conduct special testing.


In discussing what happens after urine samples have been processed by the lab, note that SACOs will be able to review the results of standard drug testing through the Internet Forensic Toxicology Drug Testing Laboratory (iFTDTL), and that you’ll be teaching them to use this system in the computer training section of the course. In contrast, the results of special tests will not appear in IFTDTL. These results come to them through the chain of command. SACOs should thoroughly understand that there is a mandated series of steps that must take place when a positive result is received. Some of these involve interacting with the MO and the CO. Throughout this process, remind them of the need to keep all of these records safe and secure so that only those who

are authorized have access to them. Use these slides to walk through the steps that must occur when someone in the unit pops positive. Be certain to emphasize the SACO’s responsibilities in this process and to highlight the places where the SACO will need to work with the CO, the MO, and the DDRC. Note that you will continue the discussion of what happens after a positive test in the “Response” section of the course.

In addition to receiving information about positive and negative test results in iFTDTL, inform SACOs that they will also receive a list of discrepancy codes, if any, for the testing session. Explain that these reflect errors which either prevented the sample from being tested (fatal errors) or which, at the very least, call into question whether the results would hold up in a court of law. The SACO’s goal should be to have zero discrepancies. Explain to them how discrepancy codes can be used as a form of quality control, to improve practices and provide ongoing education to UPCs and observers, as well as to keep the CO informed about how well the drug testing program is being conducted.

Pause here to ask whether there are any questions about anything covered in

this section of the course.

Urinalysis Program Coordinator

Documents

Transcript of Urinalysis Program Coordinator