What is the consequence of using a non-DOT Chain of Custody Form (CCF) in a specimen collection?

Using a non-DOT Chain of Custody Form (CCF) in a specimen collection is classified as a fatal flaw. This is because the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations are very specific about the procedures and documentation required for drug and alcohol testing, including the necessity of using DOT-approved forms. The CCF is critical for establishing the integrity of the sample and ensuring the reliability of the testing process.

If a non-DOT form is used, it does not meet the regulatory requirements, which compromises the validity of the test results. Consequently, any results obtained from a specimen collected using a non-DOT CCF cannot be considered legally defensible. Such a fundamental oversight means that the entire testing process may need to be invalidated, necessitating a new collection using the proper forms. This is why it is termed a fatal flaw; it is a fundamental error that has significant implications for the testing procedure and outcomes.