What Does A Specimen Collector Do?

A specimen collector has an important job. They are the ones who are working face to face with donors presenting samples for a drug or alcohol test, and they are the ones overseeing the actual testing process. While following all DOT physical guidelines, specimen collector professionals work diligently to make sure their specimens are able to lead to conclusive results, and that the testing process goes unimpeded. 

A specimen collector will need to learn how to properly take samples from a donor, and how to ensure those specimens are correct and accurate for the drug testing process. They complete this learning through training instruction, a requirement that was put into place in August of 2001. Their training instruction will not only address how to collect specimens and how to test various specimens, but how to handle difficult donors as well. “Shy bladders”, or attempts to adulterate a specimen are covered in the specimen collector training course to ensure professionals in the field know exactly how to effectively handle these situations when they arrive.

Specimen Collection On The Job

Specimen collector professionals will be present at job sites or drug testing meetings to collect urine or hair samples being tested. They may work with particular companies or start their own specimen collector business. This allows a professional specimen collector to have complete freedom within their career and the path they choose to go down. While present at the collection site, they will learn through instruction how to determine if a specimen is sufficient or if it has been tampered with.  

After collection, it is the specimen collector’s responsibility to transport the donor sample back to the testing lab safely to begin the testing process. In some instances, testing may be done on-site, but in many cases the specimen will be taken to another location to test under sterile and controlled environments.  

Specimen collector training encompasses more than just traditional instruction. The specimen collector will also be required to handle DOT mocks that show they can flawlessly handle various situations they may encounter while on the job. These DOT mocks involve determining insufficient specimens, handling difficult donors, determining inconclusive results, and specimens testing true negative. With the right specimen collector training, a person can expect to feel complete confidence while working in the collection field.