Blind Specimens?

blind-specimensWhat are blind specimens all about and how can you fulfill your DOT requirement to provide them?

To ensure that the laboratory you use is testing accurately, DOT requires you to submit quality control specimens, or blind specimens.  Some of these blind specimens must contain known amounts of drugs or contaminants.  Other specimens must be untainted.  You are required to seal, identify and package blind specimens exactly the way you would legitimate specimens.

Because knowing whether you have to submit blind specimens, as well as how many and how often, can be difficult, DOT exempts employers with fewer than 2000 safety-sensitive employees from this requirement.  If you are a C/TPA who serves less than 2000 total covered employees, you are also exempt from this requirement.

However, if you are an employer or C/TPA with more than 2000 covered employees, these ground rules will help you stay on top of this requirement:

  • The number of blind specimens should equal 1% of the total number of specimens you send to the laboratory.
  • You need not send more than 50 blind specimens per quarter year.
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  • Do not send blind specimens to a laboratory that tests fewer than 100 specimens annually for your company.
  • 75% of the blind specimens you submit must be certified negative.
  • 15% of the blind specimens you send in must be positive for one or more of the drugs for which DOT requires testing.
  • 10% must be adulterated and/or substituted
  • You must submit blind specimens throughout the calendar year.
  • CCFs for blind specimens must be completed exactly like any other CCF.

So how do you start and maintain a blind specimen program that you are sure will meet all of DOT’s requirements?  USAMDT can help!  We can manage it all for you and give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your laboratory is testing accurately and that you are completely in compliance with DOT’s blind specimen requirements.   Call us today at 800-757-9307 or contact us at TreasureCoast@USAMT.com or http://www.floridamobiledrugtesting.com.

 

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