How Is a DOT Urine Specimen Split and Sealed?

All DOT urine collections are split specimen collections, according to 49 CFR 40.71, and the collector divides the specimen into two bottles in front of the employee.

The rule states that the collector, not the employee, pours at least 30 mL into the primary specimen bottle and then at least 15 mL into the split specimen bottle. The collector then secures the lids, places tamper-evident seals over the caps and down the sides of the bottles and writes the date on the seals.

The employee then initials the seals to certify that the bottles contain the employee's specimen. If the employee does not, the collector notes it on the Remarks line of the CCF and completes the collection. Leftover urine is discarded, except that it may be used for clinical tests such as protein or glucose when the collection is part of a DOT agency-required physical exam.

The split specimen may later be tested at the employee's request after the Medical Review Officer (MRO) reports a verified positive result or a refusal to test because of adulteration or substitution, as explained in How Does a Split Specimen Test Work after a Positive DOT Drug Test?.