What is a Chain of Custody Form?

When you think of chain of custody, you might think of evidence from a crime scene. The Department of Transportation (DOT) uses a Chain of Custody and Control Form (CCF) whenever drivers are drug tested. This is to ensure that no one is tampering with the sample between collection and testing. The CCF is the paper trail that the DOT relies on to validate drug testing results. 

What does the chain of custody include?

The chain of custody form includes four steps for verifying and testing samples from CDL drivers. The drug testing process is very important for the safety of truck drivers and other motorists on the highways. It is critical that there is no mishandling of specimen bottles so that the drug screen is accurate. 

1. Donation

It starts with the donor, which in this case, is the commercial driver. They produce their urine sample and document when the specimen collection was done on their copy of the Chain of Custody form. This sample is taken in a controlled environment to make sure the sample cannot be subject to tampering.  

2. Sample Collection

The collector will watch the driver before and after urination. Any suspicious behavior must be noted by the collector on the Chain of Custody form. Once they have the sample in their possession, they check the temperature of the sample as well as volume, coloring, and odor, and note down if they find any abnormalities. 

3. Sample Testing

The sample is sent to the testing facility after the donor and collector sign their parts declaring that the sample is certified and sealed. The testing laboratory will test the sample and send the results and CCF to the Medical Review Officer. 

4. Verification

The Medical Review Officer (MRO) will examine the CCF and look for any flaws in it. As long as everything checks out, the MRO will sign off on the results, and the process is complete. 

What does chain of custody documentation prove?

The CCF is used to track every person who handles or possesses a sample for drug testing. This helps reduce false positives and false negatives because it makes it much more difficult to tamper with a sample. 

When do you need a chain of custody form?

You need a Chain of Custody form any time you are collecting a drug testing sample from one of your truckers. Truck drivers are typically tested when they start a new job as well as randomly as required by their employer.