The internet is full of people who claim they are making big money doing DOT Mobile Collections, and offer to train you as a collector. But there’s
more to it than getting a certificate and sending specimens to a lab.
DOT urine collections are strictly regulated under 49 CFR Part 40, with detailed training and procedural requirements.
Most DOT employers need providers certified in both urine specimen collection and alcohol testing. If you only offer urine collections, you’ll likely
lose business to companies that provide both services.
The greatest revenue opportunity is post-accident testing—which requires both DOT urine drug screens and approved alcohol testing methods.
The short and skinny on specimen collection:
Collector Training consists of two parts;
Qualification Training and Proficiency Demonstration.
Qualification Training is required to include:
(1) Proper completion and transmission of the CCF;
(2) How to handle “Problem” collections (e.g., situations like “shy bladder” and attempts to tamper with a specimen);
(3) Fatal flaws, correctable flaws, and how to correct problems in collections; and
(4) Collector's responsibility for maintaining the integrity of the collection process, ensuring the privacy of employees being tested, ensuring the security of the
specimen, and avoiding conduct or statements that could be viewed as offensive or inappropriate;
Initial Proficiency Demonstration. Following completion of qualification training, collectors must demonstrate proficiency in
collections by completing five consecutive error-free mock collections.
(1) Mock collections must include two uneventful collection scenarios, one insufficient quantity of urine scenario, one temperature out of range scenario, and one
scenario in which the employee refuses to sign the CCF and initial the specimen bottle tamper-evident seal.
(2) Mocks must be monitored and evaluated in person or by a means that provides real-time observation and interaction between the instructor and trainee, and attest in
writing that the mock collections are “error-free.” The monitor must be a qualified urine collector who has demonstrated necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities by—
(i) Regularly conducting DOT urine drug test collections for a period of at least one year;
(ii) Conducting urine collector training under this part for at least one year; or
(iii) Successfully completing a urine “train the trainer” course.
Alcohol Testing Requirements
Only qualified Screening Test Technicians (STTs) and Breath Alcohol Technicians (BATs) who meet DOT requirements may conduct DOT alcohol tests.
Training as an STTs can be limiting as they may perform screening tests only, while BATs are authorized to conduct both screening and confirmation tests.
STT and BAT Training Requirements
To be permitted to act as a BAT or STT in the DOT alcohol testing program, you mustbe knowledgeable about the alcohol testing procedures in 49 CFR Part 40
and the current DOT guidance. Technicians must must keep current on any changes to these materials, and must subscribe to the ODAPC list-serve.
STT and BAT training consists of two parts:
Qualification Training and Proficiency Demonstration.
Qualification training must
(1) be in accordance with the DOT Model BAT or STT Course.
(2) include training to proficiency in the alcohol testing procedures of 49 CFR Part 40, and in the operation of the particular alcohol testing device(s)
(i.e., the ASD(s) or EBT(s)) you will be using.
(3) emphasize BAT or STT's responsibility for maintaining the integrity of the testing process, ensuring the privacy of employees being tested, and avoiding conduct
or statements that could be viewed as offensive or inappropriate.
(4) be conducted by an instructor who has demonstrated necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities by regularly conducting DOT alcohol tests as an STT or BAT, as
appliicable, for at least one year, who has conducted STT or BAT training, as applicable, under 49 CFR Part 40, for a year, or who has successfully completed a “train the trainer” course
Initial Proficiency Demonstration. Following ompletion of Qualification Training you
must demonstrate proficiency in alcohol testing by completing seven consecutive error-free mock tests (BATs) or five consecutive error-free tests
(STTs).
Proficiency Demonstration must
(1) be monitored and evaluated, in person or by a means that provides real-time observation and interaction between the instructor and
trainee. The monitor must meets the requirements of 49 CFR Part 40, and attest in writing that the mock collections are “error-free.”
(2) be completed using the alcohol testing devices (e.g., EBT(s) or ASD(s)) that you will use as a BAT or STT.
(3) ensure that an STT who is using an ASD that indicates readings by changes, contrasts, or other readings in color, demonstrates as part
of the mock test that the STT is able to discern changes, contrasts, or readings correctly.
Refresher Training is required no less than every 5 years for both specimen collectors and alcohol technicians
Error Correction Training is required for specimen collectors and alcohol technicians who make a mistake that causes a test to be
cancelled
Quick Trax LLC offers certification training in Specimen Collection and Breath Alcohol Testing, as well as consultation for those starting a collections
business.
Consultation will provide you with the tools you need to start a viable mobile collections business, and includes how/where to receive training that complies with the
federal regulations, structuring your fees, creating your mobile unit on a shoestring budget, getting your first client, and strategies to grow your business with little to no
overhead.
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