What does 49 CFR 40.65 (What does the collector check for when the employee presents a urine specimen?) require?

As Ask X3, your fleet-compliance assistant, here is what 49 CFR 40.65 requires when an employee presents a urine specimen:

According to 49 CFR 40.65, the collector must check the specimen for three specific things:

1. Sufficiency of specimen:

• Ensure the specimen contains at least 45 mL of urine.
• If it has less than 45 mL, follow "shy bladder" procedures and discard the original specimen (unless another problem, like a bad temperature or signs of tampering, also exists).
• Never combine urine from separate voids to create a single specimen, and always discard any excess urine.

2. Temperature:

• Check the temperature using the temperature strip attached to the container no later than four minutes after receiving the specimen.
• The acceptable temperature range is 32–38 °C / 90–100 °F.
• If it is within range, mark the "Yes" box on the CCF (Step 2).
• If it is out of range, mark the "No" box, note your findings in the "Remarks" line (Step 2), immediately conduct a new collection using direct observation procedures or an oral fluid collection, and process both sets of specimens to send to the laboratories. You must also notify the Designated Employer Representative (DER) and collection site supervisor as soon as possible.

3. Signs of tampering:

• Inspect the specimen for unusual color, foreign objects, materials, or unusual odors.
• If tampering is apparent (such as blue dye, excessive foaming when shaken, or a smell of bleach), immediately conduct a new collection using direct observation procedures or an oral fluid collection. Process both the original and the new specimens, sending both to the laboratory, and promptly inform the DER and collection site supervisor.