Upon entering the collection station, the athlete will provide photo identification and/or a client representative/site coordinator will identify the athlete and the athlete will be officially signed into the station.
The athlete will select a sealed collection beaker from a supply of such and will record his/her initials on the collection beaker's lid or attach a unique bar code to the beaker.
A collector, serving as validator, will monitor the furnishing of the specimen by observation in order to assure the integrity of the specimen until a volume of at least 85 ml is provided (volume is dependent upon client protocol and drugs being tested).
Only members of the drug-testing crew should serve as validators. Validators who are of the same gender as the athlete must observe the voiding process. The procedure does not allow for validators to stand outside the immediate area or outside the restroom. The athlete must urinate in full view of the validator (validator must observe flow of urine). The validator must request the athlete raise his/her shirt high enough to observe the midsection area completely to rule out any attempt to manipulate or substitute a sample.
Athletes may not carry any item other than his/her beaker into the restroom when providing a specimen. Any problem or concern should be brought to the attention of the crew chief for documentation.
Once a specimen is provided, the athlete is responsible for keeping the collection beaker closed and controlled.
Fluids and food given to athletes who have difficulty voiding must be from sealed containers (approved by the collector) that are opened and consumed in the station. These items must be caffeine- and alcohol-free and free of any other banned substances.
If the specimen is incomplete, the athlete must remain in the collection station until the sample is completed. During this period, the athlete is responsible for keeping the collection beaker closed and controlled.
If the specimen is incomplete and the athlete must leave the collection station for a reason approved by the collector, specimen must be discarded.
Upon return to the collection station, the athlete will begin the collection procedure again.
Once an adequate volume of the specimen is provided, the collector who monitored the furnishing of the specimen by observation will sign that the specimen was directly validated and a collector will check the specific gravity and if in range measure the pH of the urine in the presence of the student athlete.
If the urine has a specific gravity below 1.005 (1.010 if measured with a reagent strip), the specimen will be discarded by the athlete. The athlete must remain in the collection station until another specimen is provided. The athlete will provide another specimen.
If the urine has a pH greater than 7.5 (with reagent strip) or less than 4.5 (with reagent strip), the specimen will be discarded by the athlete. The athlete must remain in the collection station until another specimen is provided. The athlete will provide another specimen.
If the urine has a specific gravity above 1.005 (1.010 if measured with a reagent strip) and the urine has a pH between 4.5 and 7.5 inclusive, the specimen will be processed and sent to the laboratory.
The laboratory will make final determination of specimen adequacy.
If the laboratory determines that an athlete's specimen is inadequate for analysis, at the client's discretion, another specimen may be collected.
If an athlete is suspected of manipulating specimens (e.g., via dilution), the client will have the authority to perform additional tests on the athlete.
Once a specimen has been provided that meets the on-site specific gravity and pH parameters, the athlete will select a specimen collection kit and a uniquely numbered Chain of Custody Form or set of Specimen Bar Code Seals from a supply of such.
A collector will record the specific gravity and pH values.
The collector will pour approximately 60 ml of the specimen into the "A vial" and the remaining amount (approximately 25 ml) into the "B vial" (required volume is determined by client and/or laboratory) in the presence of the athlete.
The collector will place the cap on each vial in the presence of the athlete; the collector will then seal each vial in the required manner under the observation of the athlete and witness (if present).
Vials and forms (if any) sent to the laboratory shall not contain the name of the athlete.
All sealed specimens will be secured in a shipping case. The collector will prepare the case for forwarding.
The athlete, collector and witness (if present) will sign certifying that the procedures were followed as described in the protocol. Any deviation from the procedures must be described and recorded. If deviations are alleged, the athlete will be required to provide another specimen.
After the collection has been completed, the specimens will be forwarded to the laboratory and copies of any forms forwarded to the designated persons.
The specimens become the property of the client.
If the athlete does not comply with the collection process, the collector will notify the client representative/site coordinator and third party administrator responsible for management of the drug-testing program.
On occasion, a client may choose to test using a single specimen kit.
The collector will follow the split specimen procedures up to the point
were the athlete selects a sealed kit. With a single specimen kit, the collector
beaker may serve as the secured vial for transporting the specimen to the
laboratory. The collector will instruct the athlete to provide at least
35 ml of urine allowing for a 5 ml pour-off to measure specific gravity
and pH on site. A single vial will be processed and transported to the laboratory
for analysis.