What is the purpose of the blind specimen in drug testing?

The purpose of the blind specimen in drug testing is primarily to evaluate the integrity of the drug testing process. By incorporating a blind specimen, laboratories and collectors can ensure that the testing procedures are conducted accurately and consistently without any bias or manipulation. This method helps to maintain the reliability and credibility of the testing results, as it assesses whether the testing environment is valid and whether results can be trusted.

Using blind specimens acts as a safeguard against potential discrepancies that could arise from the handling, testing, or reporting stages of the drug testing process. It also helps identify any issues with the processes that could lead to false negatives or positives, thereby promoting high standards in drug testing protocols.

While other choices might touch on related aspects of drug testing, such as control samples or cost efficiency, they do not directly address the primary role that a blind specimen serves in ensuring the integrity of the overall testing process.