Medical Review Officer Online Course with Live Discussion (Includes Digital Syllabus)-Specimen Validity Testing

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this video, Michael Peat discusses specimen validity testing and its importance in determining whether a specimen is substituted or adulterated. He explains that specimen validity testing follows a similar approach to drug testing protocols, with an initial test to rule out negative specimens and a confirmation test to detect substituted or adulterated specimens. Peat notes that while the concepts behind this testing are straightforward, they can be difficult to grasp for new medical review officers (MROs). He emphasizes the low occurrence of specimens being determined as adulterated or substituted, with more specimens declared invalid. Peat provides an overview of the criteria and methods used in specimen validity testing, including the evaluation of creatinine concentration, specific gravity, pH levels, and the detection of oxidizing adulterants. He also mentions the presence of various substances and techniques used to beat urine tests, highlighting the importance of collection sites in identifying unusual characteristics of urine specimens. Additionally, Peat discusses the differences between DOT and HHS regulations for specimen validity testing and explains the criteria for determining a specimen as diluted or invalid. He concludes by mentioning the effectiveness of specimen validity testing as a deterrent against drug use in the workplace. No credits were provided in the video.

Keywords

specimen validity testing

substituted specimens

adulterated specimens

drug testing protocols

medical review officers

creatinine concentration