A Custody and Control Form (CCF) is a standardized document that tracks a drug test specimen from the moment of collection until the final result is reported. The CCF is essential for maintaining the integrity and legal defensibility of drug testing, particularly in regulated industries or for employment screening. It ensures that the collected sample is valid and that no tampering or substitution has occurred at any point during the process.
The Purpose of the Custody and Control Form
The core function of the Custody and Control Form is to establish an irrefutable Chain of Custody (COC) for the specimen. The CCF is typically a multi-part form designed to accompany the sample through every stage of the testing process. Each time the specimen changes hands—from the donor to the collector, to the laboratory, and finally to the certifiers—the corresponding party must sign and date the form. This continuous documentation creates a chronological record of control, ensuring accountability.
The form contains sections detailing the test specifics, including the donor’s identifying details, the testing authority’s ID number, and the unique specimen identification number. Crucially, the CCF documents the reason for the test (e.g., pre-employment, random, or post-accident) and which specific drug panels are to be analyzed. The CCF validates that the sample tested by the laboratory is the one provided by the intended donor. Any error or missing signature on the form can potentially invalidate the entire test result.
Step-by-Step Drug Test Collection Procedure
The CCF is initiated when the donor arrives at the collection site and presents proper photo identification to the collector. The collector first completes the relevant sections of the CCF, verifying the donor’s identity and ensuring all required test information is accurate. Before the collection, the donor is typically asked to remove any outer garments and empty their pockets to eliminate the possibility of concealed adulterants.
For a urine collection, anti-tampering measures are employed in the restroom, such as adding a bluing agent to the toilet water to prevent sample dilution. After the donor provides the specimen, they immediately hand the container to the collector, who must check the temperature within four minutes of collection. The specimen temperature must fall within the acceptable physiological range of 90°F to 100°F (32°C to 38°C) for the test to proceed.
The sample is then split into two separate bottles, known as the primary (A) and split (B) specimens, with a minimum of 30 milliliters in the primary and 15 milliliters in the split. In the donor’s presence, the collector securely seals both bottles using tamper-evident labels taken directly from the CCF. The donor must initial these seals to certify that the bottles were sealed correctly and the specimen is intact. Finally, both the donor and the collector sign the certification statements on the CCF, and the sealed primary copy of the form is packaged with the specimen for secure transport to the laboratory.
Federal Requirements for CCF Testing
The use of the CCF is strictly mandated within federally regulated drug testing programs, such as those overseen by the Department of Transportation (DOT). For employees in safety-sensitive positions—including commercial truck drivers, airline personnel, and pipeline workers—the Federal Drug Testing Custody and Control Form is the only acceptable document for every drug collection. This requirement is detailed in federal regulation 49 CFR Part 40, which establishes standardized testing procedures.
The CCF plays a role in the subsequent result verification by the Medical Review Officer (MRO). The MRO is a licensed physician who reviews the CCF for any procedural errors or flaws before reporting a final result to the employer. This review confirms the collection and laboratory processes were compliant with federal standards, differentiating regulated testing from a non-regulated workplace test.