What action should a collector take if the urine specimen is visibly diluted?

When a collector encounters a visibly diluted urine specimen, the appropriate action is to document the observation and collect a new specimen. This is because a visibly diluted sample may indicate that the individual has altered the sample by consuming a large amount of water or other fluids before the collection. Dilution can affect the accuracy of drug testing results and may lead to false negatives or inaccurately reported levels of substances.

By documenting the dilution and requesting a new specimen, the collector ensures that the testing process adheres to established protocols and maintains the integrity of the results. This is especially important in a regulatory or legal context, where accurate testing results are critical. Collecting a new specimen allows for a more reliable assessment of the individual's drug use, minimizing the risk of errors associated with testing diluted samples.