We talk about BAT training a lot here at Intoximeters, so we thought it might be good to discuss training UDS Collectors for a change!

The Department of Transportation has not published a Model Course for collectors like they did for Breath Alcohol Technicians (BATs). The BAT Model Course is what tells us how long the training should take and also provides materials for use in that training. Nothing like that exists for Urine Drug Screen collection training (other than the Urine Specimen Collection Guidelines document). Below is a summary of the Part 40 rules regarding collector training.  

A collector in the DOT drug testing program must meet the following requirements:

1. Basic information – The collector must be knowledgeable about 49 CFR Part 40, the current “DOT Urine Specimen Collection Guidelines”, and DOT agency regulations applicable to the employers for whom you perform collections. You must keep current on any changes to these materials.
2. Qualification Training – Qualification training provides instruction on the following subjects:
   1. All steps necessary to complete a collection correctly and the proper completion and transmission of the CCF;
   2. Problem collections such as insufficient quantity of urine and attempts to tamper with a specimen;
   3. Fatal flaws, correctable flaws, and how to correct problems in collections; and
   4. The 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.
3. Initial Proficiency Demonstration – Following completion of 1 and 2 above, the collector must demonstrate proficiency in collections by completing 5 consecutive error-free mock collections.
   1. The five mock collections must include 2 uneventful scenarios, one insufficient quantity scenario, one temperature out of range scenario, and one scenario in which the employee refuses to sign the CCF and initial the specimen bottle seals.
   2. Another person must monitor and evaluate the trainee’s performance, 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.
   3. This person must be a qualified collector who has demonstrated necessary knowledge, skills and abilities by regularly conducting DOT drug test collections for a period of at least a year or who has successfully completed a “train the trainer” course.

Basic Information and Qualification Training can be accomplished via a lecture by the trainer or via an online self-study module. Intoximeters offers online training programs for UDS Collectors, as well as for the rules & regulations procedure for alcohol testing.

Learn more about one of our UDS Collector and Instructor classes, along with other instructor resources and best practices for training UDS Collectors.