Step-by-Step Procedure for Conducting a Workplace Urine Drug Test
Introduction
Urine drug testing is one of the most widely used methods of workplace drug testing in Australia and is commonly utilised for pre-employment, random, blanket and post-incident testing programs. When performed correctly, urine testing provides a reliable method of detecting recent and historical drug use while maintaining specimen integrity and chain of custody. This procedure outlines the recommended process for conducting an on-site urine drug screening test in accordance with AS/NZS 4308:2023 and workplace drug and alcohol testing requirements.
1. Prepare the Collection Area
Before testing commences:
· Ensure a private testing room is available adjacent to a toilet facility.
· Clean and disinfect the testing surface.
· Place an absorbent underpad on the table.
· Put on disposable gloves.
· Have the following equipment available:
o Urine drug test cups
o Chain of Custody forms
o Pen
o Biohazard waste bag
o Hand sanitiser
o Workplace Drug & Alcohol Policy
o Adulterant colour chart
o Timer or watch
· Ensure a backup urine drug test is available in case of an invalid result.
2. Prepare the Bathroom
Prior to collection:
· Restrict access to the toilet area.
· Check the toilet, bins and cistern for concealed urine samples.
· Remove or secure access to water sources where possible.
· Tape over sink taps if required.
· Place blue dye in the toilet cistern.
· Flush the toilet to ensure the water is visibly blue.
· Confirm no substances are available that could be used to dilute or adulterate the specimen.
3. Verify the Donor's Identity
· Confirm the donor's identity using photo identification or workplace identification.
· Record donor details on the Chain of Custody form.
· Obtain consent to proceed with testing.
· Ask the donor to declare any prescription or non-prescription medications taken.
· Explain the testing process before commencing.
4. Prepare the Urine Drug Test Cup
· Ensure the test device is between 15°C and 30°C.
· Check the pouch for damage.
· Confirm the test is within its expiry date.
· Record:
o Brand
o Model
o Lot Number
o Expiry Date
on the Chain of Custody form.
· Open the pouch.
· Write the donor's name and identification number on the lid and cup before issuing it to the donor.
5. Issue the Collection Instructions
· Advise the donor to:
· Wear disposable gloves if provided.
· Provide between 30mL and 70mL of urine.
· Securely seal the lid immediately after collection.
· Return the specimen directly to the collector.
The donor should remain under appropriate supervision throughout the process in accordance with workplace procedures.
6. Receive and Inspect the Specimen
Immediately upon receiving the specimen:
· Confirm the lid is securely sealed.
· Verify the specimen identification details.
· Observe and record the urine colour.
· Note any abnormalities such as:
o Cloudiness
o Blood
o Foreign material
o Excessive bubbles
o Colourless urine
Record observations on the Chain of Custody form.
7. Check Specimen Temperature
Within 4 minutes of collection:
· Check the temperature strip on the cup.
· Confirm the specimen temperature is between 32°C and 38°C.
· Record the result on the Chain of Custody form.
Specimens outside the acceptable temperature range may indicate substitution or tampering.
8. Check Adulterants
Review the adulterant test strip and compare results against the manufacturer's colour chart.
Check:
· Creatinine (CR)
· pH
· Specific Gravity (SG)
Confirm all readings are within acceptable ranges.
If adulteration is suspected:
· Request a second specimen.
· If the second specimen is also adulterated, package and send both specimens to a NATA-accredited laboratory with separate Chain of Custody documentation.
9. Interpret the Drug Test Results
· Remove the privacy strip if applicable.
· Allow the test to develop.
· Read results at 5 minutes after collection.
· Do not interpret results after 10 minutes.
Negative Result
A negative result occurs when:
· A Control Line (C) is present.
· A Test Line (T) is present.
Any visible test line, regardless of how faint it appears, is considered negative.
Non-Negative Result
A non-negative result occurs when:
· A Control Line (C) is present.
· The Test Line (T) is absent.
This indicates the specimen may contain drugs above the screening cut-off level and requires laboratory confirmation.
Invalid Result
An invalid result occurs when:
· No Control Line (C) appears.
The test must be repeated using a new device.
10. Record the Results
Record:
· Temperature result
· Adulterant result
· Individual drug class results
· Collector name
· Collector signature
· Date and time of testing
Ensure all sections of the Chain of Custody form are completed accurately.
11. Action Negative Results
If all results are negative:
· Inform the donor of the result.
· Permit the donor to return to normal duties (subject to company policy).
· Dispose of used testing materials in a biohazard waste bag.
· File documentation securely.
12. Action Non-Negative Results
If any result is non-negative:
· Inform the donor that the screening result is non-negative.
· Complete laboratory Chain of Custody documentation.
· Collect and seal laboratory confirmation specimens.
· Package specimens using tamper-evident seals.
· Arrange transport to a NATA-accredited laboratory for confirmation testing.
· Follow workplace procedures regarding fitness for work pending confirmation results.
13. Finalise Documentation
· Complete all records.
· Securely store Chain of Custody documentation.
· Record any unusual observations or non-compliance.
· Dispose of biohazard waste appropriately.
· Maintain confidentiality at all times.
Important Reminders
✓ Use only in-date test devices.
✓ Record urine colour on every test.
✓ Check specimen temperature within 4 minutes.
✓ Acceptable urine temperature range is 32°C–38°C.
✓ Collect between 30mL and 70mL of urine.
✓ Read results at 5 minutes.
✓ Never interpret results after 10 minutes.
✓ Check adulterants on every urine specimen.
✓ Non-negative results require laboratory confirmation.
✓ Maintain specimen integrity and chain of custody throughout the entire testing process.
