What flaw occurs when there is no specimen submitted along with the CCF?

When no specimen is submitted along with the Chain of Custody Form (CCF), this situation is classified as a fatal flaw. A fatal flaw indicates a critical error that renders the test invalid. Since the purpose of the CCF is to track the specimen for the drug testing process, the absence of a specimen means the test cannot be conducted as intended. This lack of submission directly impacts the integrity and reliability of the drug testing process, making it impossible to produce any results or conclusions. Therefore, identifying this situation as a fatal flaw is crucial for maintaining the standards of drug testing protocols.

This classification emphasizes the importance of following proper procedures, including specimen collection, to ensure accurate and valid test results. In contrast, minor, correctable, and instruction errors pertain to less severe issues that may be resolved without invalidating the test result.