The suitable temperature vary for a urine specimen submitted for drug screening is a important consider making certain the integrity of the testing course of. This vary sometimes falls between 90F and 100F (32C and 38C). A pattern exterior this specified temperature window raises suspicion of adulteration or substitution, probably invalidating the check outcomes.
Sustaining the suitable temperature is essential for a number of causes. It helps to verify the pattern’s current origin from the donor, lessening the possibility of utilizing beforehand saved or tampered urine. Traditionally, temperature verification has been a major methodology in deterring people from making an attempt to cheat drug assessments, safeguarding the accuracy and reliability of the screening course of. Dependable outcomes assist in making knowledgeable choices associated to employment, authorized proceedings, and healthcare.
The rest of this dialogue will tackle the procedures for temperature verification, the potential penalties of submitting a pattern exterior the appropriate vary, and obtainable strategies to make sure the availability of a pattern inside the stipulated temperature parameters.
1. Acceptable temperature vary
The stipulated temperature parameters for a urine specimen supposed for drug testing are immediately linked to verifying its authenticity and minimizing alternatives for adulteration. This slim vary, sometimes between 90F and 100F (32C and 38C), serves as a important indicator of specimen validity.
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Physiological Plausibility
The outlined temperature vary displays the anticipated temperature of freshly voided urine. Deviations from this vary counsel the pattern might not have originated immediately from the donor’s physique on the time of assortment. For example, a pattern considerably beneath 90F may point out that it was pre-collected and saved, probably permitting for the introduction of adulterants or the substitution of the unique pattern. Temperatures exceeding 100F are equally suspicious, suggesting exterior heating or different manipulation.
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Adulteration Detection
Substances supposed to masks drug metabolites in urine usually have a temperature completely different from that of a pure pattern. If a donor makes an attempt so as to add a masking agent shortly earlier than submitting the pattern, the ensuing temperature change may alert the collector to potential tampering. The suitable temperature vary acts as a preliminary screening mechanism, flagging specimens that warrant additional scrutiny by laboratory evaluation.
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Chain of Custody Integrity
Adherence to the desired temperature vary is an integral part of sustaining the chain of custody. Documenting the temperature of the urine specimen instantly after assortment supplies a timestamped file of its preliminary state. This file, together with different chain-of-custody documentation, establishes a verifiable historical past of the pattern, minimizing the potential for challenges to the check ends in authorized or administrative proceedings.
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Authorized and Regulatory Compliance
Many drug testing packages, particularly these mandated by federal or state laws, explicitly require adherence to the established temperature vary. Failure to adjust to this requirement may end up in the rejection of the pattern and potential authorized penalties for the testing facility. The suitable temperature vary will not be merely a suggestion however a important component of regulatory compliance, making certain the defensibility of the drug testing course of.
In abstract, the appropriate temperature vary for urine specimens throughout drug testing will not be an arbitrary metric. It serves as a elementary safeguard towards specimen adulteration and substitution, contributing to the accuracy and reliability of the general drug testing course of. Non-compliance with this vary can have important implications for each the donor and the testing facility, underscoring the significance of meticulous temperature verification procedures.
2. Pattern Integrity
The stipulated temperature vary for a urine specimen immediately impacts its integrity as a dependable indicator of substance use. Sustaining a temperature between 90F and 100F (32C to 38C) is essential as a result of deviations counsel potential manipulation or compromise of the pattern. If the temperature is exterior this vary, it casts doubt on the pattern’s origin and authenticity, elevating considerations about adulteration or substitution.
Compromised pattern integrity can result in inaccurate or unreliable outcomes, undermining the aim of the drug check. For example, a temperature considerably beneath the appropriate vary may point out the pattern was not freshly voided, probably permitting for the addition of masking brokers or the usage of artificial urine. Conversely, an elevated temperature would possibly level to intentional heating to destroy drug metabolites. In each eventualities, the check outcomes change into invalid, and the person being examined would possibly unfairly escape detection, negating the protection and safety protocols reliant on the drug screening course of. The authorized and employment ramifications of such inaccuracies might be substantial, affecting choices associated to hiring, termination, and authorized proceedings.
In conclusion, the temperature of a urine pattern serves as a major indicator of its integrity. By making certain the temperature falls inside the prescribed vary, the reliability and defensibility of drug check outcomes are considerably enhanced. Failure to stick to this normal can jeopardize all the drug screening course of, resulting in inaccurate outcomes and probably undermining the goals of the testing program. Subsequently, diligent temperature monitoring is an indispensable part of sustaining pattern integrity and making certain the validity of urine drug assessments.
3. Adulteration detection
Adulteration detection is inextricably linked to the temperature of a urine pattern submitted for drug testing. The prescribed temperature vary acts as an preliminary screening mechanism to determine potential makes an attempt to control the pattern and compromise the accuracy of the check outcomes.
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Temperature as an Indicator of Adulterants
Many adulterants, substances added to urine to masks the presence of medicine, have a temperature that differs considerably from regular physique temperature. Including chilly or scorching substances can shift the pattern temperature exterior the appropriate 90-100F vary, indicating potential adulteration. For instance, introducing ice to decrease the temperature or utilizing a heating pad to lift it could actually each be detected by temperature verification.
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Influence on Enzyme-Based mostly Adulterants
Some adulterants work by enzymatic degradation of the drug metabolites being examined. The effectiveness of those enzymes is temperature-dependent. A temperature exterior the physiological vary might inhibit or speed up the enzymatic exercise, probably affecting the adulteration course of itself. Detection of an irregular temperature raises suspicion that enzymatic adulteration might have occurred, warranting additional laboratory evaluation.
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Dilution and Temperature Fluctuations
Diluting a urine pattern with water is a standard adulteration approach. Water, when added in adequate amount, can alter the temperature of the pattern. A diluted pattern might initially fall inside the acceptable temperature vary, however the temperature might fluctuate extra quickly than anticipated because it equilibrates to room temperature. Temperature monitoring, coupled with creatinine and particular gravity measurements, can assist determine diluted samples.
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Masking Agent Results on Temperature
Sure masking brokers might have inherent properties that have an effect on the temperature of the urine pattern. Some substances might generate warmth upon dissolution, whereas others might soak up warmth, inflicting the temperature to deviate from the anticipated vary. This temperature change serves as a pink flag, prompting nearer examination of the pattern for the presence of those masking brokers utilizing subtle laboratory strategies.
The temperature of a urine pattern is subsequently a important, albeit preliminary, indicator of potential adulteration. Whereas a temperature inside the acceptable vary doesn’t assure the absence of adulterants, a temperature exterior this vary strongly suggests the necessity for additional investigation. Temperature verification serves as a vital part of a complete drug testing program, enhancing the flexibility to detect and deter makes an attempt to control the integrity of urine samples.
4. Substitution prevention
The prevention of urine substitution throughout drug testing is intrinsically linked to the requirement for a particular temperature vary. The suitable temperature, usually between 90F and 100F (32C and 38C), serves as a major indicator of pattern authenticity and a deterrent towards people making an attempt to submit fraudulent urine specimens. The logic is easy: freshly voided urine sometimes falls inside this temperature window, whereas substituted samples usually obtained from exterior sources or artificial options are much less prone to meet this criterion.
Take into account a state of affairs the place a person makes an attempt to submit a pre-collected urine pattern saved at room temperature. If undetected, this substitution would render the drug check outcomes meaningless, probably masking illicit substance use. Nevertheless, when the pattern’s temperature is checked instantly after assortment and located to be considerably beneath the appropriate vary, the substitution try is flagged. This triggers additional scrutiny, reminiscent of direct statement of subsequent collections or extra laboratory testing to confirm the pattern’s composition. The effectiveness of temperature verification in deterring substitution depends on its fast software and the attention that deviations from the anticipated vary increase suspicion.
In conclusion, temperature verification will not be merely an ancillary step in urine drug testing; it’s a elementary safeguard towards pattern substitution. By establishing a temperature benchmark, testing protocols make sure the integrity of the method, bolstering the reliability of drug check outcomes and upholding the goals of drug-free office insurance policies and authorized necessities. Challenges stay, significantly in instances the place people make use of subtle strategies to imitate genuine urine traits, necessitating steady refinement of detection methods. Nevertheless, temperature monitoring stays an important first line of protection in sustaining the validity of urine drug testing procedures.
5. Fast measurement
Fast measurement of urine temperature following assortment is an important component in sustaining the integrity of drug testing procedures. The velocity with which the temperature is assessed immediately influences the flexibility to detect potential adulteration or substitution makes an attempt.
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Minimizing Temperature Drift
Urine temperature begins to alter as quickly because it leaves the physique. A delay in measurement permits the pattern to equilibrate with the ambient atmosphere, probably masking temperature irregularities launched by adulterants or ensuing from the usage of substituted specimens. Fast temperature evaluation, sometimes inside 4 minutes, minimizes this drift, offering a extra correct illustration of the pattern’s preliminary state.
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Deterrent Impact on Substitution
The data that temperature might be checked instantly upon submission can act as a deterrent to people contemplating urine substitution. If a donor is conscious {that a} delayed measurement may enable a chilly or overheated substituted pattern to equilibrate to a suitable temperature, the fast measurement requirement discourages such makes an attempt. The immediacy of the method reinforces the perceived threat of detection.
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Strengthening Chain of Custody
Documenting the urine temperature instantly after assortment enhances the chain of custody. This recorded measurement serves as a timestamped knowledge level, offering proof of the pattern’s situation at a particular second. This detailed file is essential in authorized challenges to check outcomes, the place the integrity of the pattern and the validity of the testing procedures could also be questioned.
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Optimizing Specimen Validity Testing
Fast temperature measurement is a preliminary display that may information subsequent specimen validity testing (SVT). If the temperature falls exterior the appropriate vary (sometimes 90-100F or 32-38C), it triggers additional evaluation to detect adulterants, irregular pH ranges, creatinine concentrations, or particular gravity values. This focused strategy optimizes laboratory assets and focuses evaluation on probably compromised samples.
The immediate measurement of urine temperature is, subsequently, an indispensable part of complete drug testing protocols. It serves as a deterrent to fraudulent exercise, bolsters the chain of custody, and guides subsequent validity testing, collectively contributing to the accuracy and reliability of drug screening outcomes.
6. Specimen validity testing
Specimen validity testing (SVT) is a important part of urine drug screening protocols. SVT goals to find out if a urine pattern is real and unadulterated, immediately impacting the reliability of check outcomes. The temperature of the urine specimen upon assortment serves as an preliminary indicator inside the broader SVT framework.
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Preliminary Screening Parameter
Temperature evaluation, particularly adherence to the appropriate vary of 90-100F (32-38C), constitutes an preliminary screening step in SVT. A temperature exterior this vary instantly raises suspicion concerning the pattern’s integrity and prompts additional, extra complete validity testing. The temperature test flags probably compromised specimens for extra in-depth evaluation.
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Correlation with Adulterant Detection
SVT entails analyzing varied parameters, together with pH, creatinine ranges, and particular gravity. Deviations in these parameters, when coupled with an irregular temperature, strengthen the suspicion of adulteration. For example, a pattern with low creatinine and particular gravity together with a temperature beneath 90F suggests dilution, a standard adulteration approach. The temperature studying supplies context for decoding different SVT outcomes.
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Indicator of Substitution Makes an attempt
Substituted urine samples, whether or not artificial or obtained from one other particular person, usually fail to fulfill the temperature necessities. SVT detects inconsistencies between the pattern’s temperature and different traits anticipated in human urine. For instance, artificial urine might need a traditional pH however an uncommon temperature, alerting technicians to the potential of substitution.
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Authorized and Regulatory Implications
The mixture of temperature evaluation and SVT strengthens the defensibility of drug check ends in authorized and regulatory contexts. A radical SVT course of, initiated by temperature verification, supplies documented proof that cheap measures had been taken to make sure the integrity of the urine pattern. This proof is essential in supporting choices based mostly on drug check outcomes, reminiscent of employment actions or authorized sanctions.
In abstract, the temperature of a urine pattern on the time of assortment performs an important position in specimen validity testing. It acts as an preliminary display, triggering additional evaluation when anomalies are detected. The temperature studying, when thought-about at the side of different SVT parameters, enhances the detection of adulteration and substitution makes an attempt, in the end strengthening the reliability and defensibility of drug testing outcomes.
7. Noticed assortment impacts
Noticed urine assortment, the place a monitor immediately witnesses the availability of the pattern, considerably mitigates the chance of specimen adulteration or substitution. This direct statement profoundly impacts adherence to the appropriate temperature vary. The presence of a monitor makes it considerably harder for a person to introduce a pre-prepared pattern, add adulterants, or in any other case manipulate the specimen’s integrity. For instance, makes an attempt to hide a heating gadget to take care of the substituted urine inside the required temperature parameters change into exceedingly tough beneath direct statement. The mere presence of a monitor acts as a deterrent, selling compliance with established protocols and minimizing the probability of temperature-related anomalies.
The impression of noticed assortment extends past easy deterrence. It strengthens the chain of custody, offering a visible file of the pattern’s origin and situation. Any deviation from the anticipated process, reminiscent of uncommon habits or seen makes an attempt to tamper with the pattern, might be instantly famous by the monitor. This documentation is important in instances the place the pattern’s temperature falls exterior the appropriate vary, prompting additional investigation. Furthermore, noticed collections are sometimes mandated in conditions the place there’s a excessive threat of non-compliance, reminiscent of return-to-duty testing or when earlier makes an attempt at adulteration have been detected. The mixture of visible monitoring and temperature verification creates a multi-layered strategy to making sure pattern validity.
In abstract, noticed assortment considerably enhances the reliability of urine drug testing by minimizing alternatives for specimen manipulation. The requirement for temperature verification, when coupled with direct statement, strengthens the defensibility of check outcomes and promotes adherence to established protocols. The effectiveness of this mix hinges on the meticulous coaching of displays to detect refined indicators of tampering and the constant software of standardized assortment procedures. Whereas noticed assortment might increase privateness considerations, its impression on making certain the integrity of urine samples is simple, particularly concerning sustaining a suitable temperature vary.
8. Chain of custody
The chain of custody is a meticulously documented file that tracks the dealing with and site of a urine specimen from the purpose of assortment by evaluation and reporting. The temperature of the urine pattern, measured instantly after assortment, is a important knowledge level inside this chain. This temperature studying serves as an preliminary verification step, confirming that the specimen’s traits are in line with a freshly voided pattern. Deviations from the appropriate temperature vary, sometimes 90-100F (32-38C), increase fast considerations about potential tampering, adulteration, or substitution. Failure to correctly doc the temperature inside the chain of custody can compromise the integrity of all the testing course of, probably rendering the outcomes inadmissible in authorized or administrative proceedings. For example, if a pattern’s temperature will not be recorded upon assortment, doubts can come up about whether or not it was later altered, heated, or changed, undermining the reliability of subsequent drug check outcomes.
The position of the chain of custody in sustaining temperature integrity extends past preliminary measurement. Every particular person who handles the specimen, from the gathering web site personnel to laboratory technicians, should doc their actions and ensure that the pattern stays safe and uncompromised. If the pattern is transported to a distinct location, the chain of custody file should replicate the time and situations of transport, together with any measures taken to take care of the specimen’s integrity. Any break within the chain of custody, or any failure to correctly doc temperature-related points, might be exploited by people looking for to problem the validity of the drug check. A well-documented chain of custody, with cautious consideration to temperature verification, supplies a clear and auditable path, minimizing the potential for such challenges and making certain the reliability of the testing course of.
In abstract, the temperature of a urine specimen and its meticulous documentation inside the chain of custody are inextricably linked to the defensibility of drug check outcomes. Correct temperature recording on the level of assortment, coupled with a sturdy and unbroken chain of custody, is important for sustaining the integrity of the testing course of and making certain that choices based mostly on drug check outcomes are legally and scientifically sound. Challenges in sustaining the chain of custody, reminiscent of insufficient coaching of personnel or procedural lapses, might be mitigated by rigorous high quality management measures and steady monitoring of adherence to established protocols.
9. Authorized ramifications
The adherence to correct urine temperature protocols throughout drug testing carries important authorized ramifications. The suitable temperature vary acts as a elementary checkpoint in making certain the integrity and defensibility of check outcomes, immediately influencing potential authorized challenges and liabilities.
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Admissibility of Proof
Failure to stick to established temperature pointers can immediately impression the admissibility of drug check ends in authorized proceedings. If the pattern’s temperature falls exterior the appropriate vary (sometimes 90-100F or 32-38C), and this deviation will not be adequately defined or addressed, the opposing social gathering might argue that the pattern was compromised, rendering the check outcomes unreliable and inadmissible as proof. Courts might scrutinize the chain of custody documentation to determine if correct temperature monitoring protocols had been adopted. Circumstances involving employment termination, youngster custody disputes, or felony costs usually hinge on the validity of drug check outcomes, making adherence to temperature requirements a important authorized concern.
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Legal responsibility for False Positives/Negatives
Incorrect temperature readings, whether or not because of defective tools or procedural errors, can contribute to false optimistic or false unfavourable drug check outcomes. False positives can result in wrongful termination of employment, reputational harm, and authorized claims for defamation or wrongful discharge. Conversely, false negatives can have severe implications in safety-sensitive industries, probably resulting in accidents or accidents. Organizations that fail to take care of correct temperature monitoring protocols might face authorized legal responsibility for damages ensuing from these errors.
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Compliance with Rules and Requirements
Many drug testing packages, significantly these mandated by federal or state laws, prescribe particular temperature necessities for urine samples. Failure to adjust to these laws may end up in authorized penalties, together with fines, sanctions, and the lack of accreditation. For instance, the Substance Abuse and Psychological Well being Providers Administration (SAMHSA) units forth detailed pointers for drug testing in federally regulated workplaces, together with temperature monitoring procedures. Organizations that deviate from these requirements might face authorized challenges and regulatory enforcement actions.
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Challenges to Chain of Custody
Inconsistencies in temperature documentation can create vulnerabilities within the chain of custody, permitting for challenges to the integrity of the urine pattern. If the temperature will not be recorded precisely or if there are unexplained gaps within the temperature file, it may be argued that the pattern was tampered with or mishandled. Such challenges can undermine the credibility of the drug check outcomes and jeopardize authorized proceedings. A sturdy and meticulously documented chain of custody, together with correct temperature readings, is important for withstanding authorized scrutiny.
The authorized ramifications related to urine temperature throughout drug testing underscore the significance of rigorous adherence to established protocols and meticulous documentation. Organizations and people concerned in drug testing should acknowledge the authorized significance of temperature verification and implement strong procedures to make sure the accuracy and defensibility of check outcomes. Neglecting this facet can have severe authorized penalties, probably undermining the goals of the drug testing program and exposing the events concerned to important legal responsibility.
Incessantly Requested Questions
This part addresses widespread inquiries concerning the required temperature vary for urine specimens submitted for drug testing. The knowledge offered goals to make clear the importance of temperature verification in sustaining the integrity of the drug screening course of.
Query 1: Why is urine temperature checked throughout a drug check?
The temperature of a urine pattern is checked to confirm its authenticity and reduce the probability of adulteration or substitution. A temperature inside the acceptable vary means that the pattern is a current void and has not been tampered with.
Query 2: What’s the acceptable temperature vary for a urine pattern?
The everyday acceptable temperature vary for a urine specimen throughout a drug check is between 90 and 100 levels Fahrenheit (32 to 38 levels Celsius).
Query 3: What occurs if the urine pattern temperature is exterior the appropriate vary?
A temperature exterior the appropriate vary raises suspicion of adulteration or substitution. The pattern could also be rejected, and a retest could also be required, probably beneath direct statement.
Query 4: How quickly after assortment is the urine temperature measured?
Urine temperature needs to be measured as quickly as potential after assortment, usually inside 4 minutes, to reduce temperature fluctuations brought on by environmental elements.
Query 5: Can exterior elements have an effect on urine temperature?
Sure, exterior elements reminiscent of ambient temperature can affect the urine pattern’s temperature. Nevertheless, fast measurement minimizes the impression of those exterior elements.
Query 6: Is temperature the one issue thought-about in figuring out pattern validity?
No, temperature is certainly one of a number of elements thought-about. Specimen Validity Testing (SVT) additionally assesses pH, creatinine ranges, and particular gravity to offer a complete analysis of the pattern’s integrity.
Sustaining the correct temperature vary is essential to make sure the validity and reliability of drug testing outcomes. Adherence to established temperature protocols helps to discourage fraudulent exercise and keep the integrity of the testing course of.
The following sections will delve into extra particular eventualities associated to urine drug testing and supply additional steering on making certain compliance with testing laws.
Making certain Correct Urine Temperature for Drug Exams
The next suggestions define important practices for sustaining the suitable temperature of urine specimens collected for drug testing, thereby minimizing the chance of compromised outcomes.
Tip 1: Implement Fast Temperature Measurement: Make use of calibrated thermometers to evaluate the temperature of urine specimens instantly after assortment, ideally inside 4 minutes. This minimizes temperature fluctuations because of environmental elements.
Tip 2: Preserve Chain of Custody Documentation: Precisely file the urine temperature on the chain of custody type on the time of assortment. This documentation serves as a important component in establishing the pattern’s integrity and supporting the validity of check outcomes.
Tip 3: Present Clear Directions to Donors: Instruct donors to submit the urine pattern promptly after voiding. Emphasize the significance of avoiding any actions that would alter the pattern’s temperature, reminiscent of including water or concealing warming gadgets.
Tip 4: Calibrate Thermometers Commonly: Be sure that the thermometers used for temperature measurement are correctly calibrated and maintained. Routine calibration helps to ensure correct temperature readings and stop faulty outcomes.
Tip 5: Practice Assortment Personnel: Present complete coaching to assortment personnel on correct urine assortment and temperature measurement procedures. Coaching ought to cowl the appropriate temperature vary, the significance of fast measurement, and the potential indicators of tampering or substitution.
Tip 6: Make the most of Temperature Strips with Tamper-Evident Seals: Make use of temperature strips with tamper-evident seals on assortment containers to offer visible affirmation of the pattern’s temperature and deter potential adulteration or substitution makes an attempt.
Adherence to those practices is paramount in sustaining the integrity of urine drug testing processes and making certain the reliability of check outcomes. Correct temperature verification is a elementary safeguard towards fraudulent exercise and helps to uphold the goals of drug-free office insurance policies and authorized necessities.
The following part will summarize the important thing findings of this discourse and supply concluding remarks.
Conclusion
The investigation into what temp ought to urine be at for a drug check has revealed the important significance of adhering to a slim temperature vary to make sure the integrity of the testing course of. The suitable vary serves as a major indicator of pattern validity, performing as a deterrent towards adulteration and substitution makes an attempt. Meticulous temperature monitoring, coupled with strict chain-of-custody procedures, strengthens the defensibility of drug check ends in authorized and administrative contexts.
The knowledge mentioned emphasizes that correct urine temperature verification will not be merely a procedural formality however a elementary safeguard towards fraud and inaccuracy. The persevering with challenges in sustaining pattern integrity necessitate ongoing vigilance and refinement of detection methods to uphold the reliability and validity of urine drug testing protocols.
