What should a collector do if a specimen temperature is out of the acceptable range?

When the temperature of a specimen is outside the acceptable range, the appropriate course of action is to reject the specimen and collect a new one. Specimen temperature is a critical factor in ensuring the integrity of the sample and the accuracy of test results.

If the temperature falls outside the acceptable range, it can indicate that the specimen has been tampered with or that it may not be suitable for testing due to potential changes in its composition or stability. Accepting the specimen under these conditions could compromise the entire testing process, leading to invalid results. Collecting a new specimen ensures that the testing process adheres to quality standards and regulatory requirements, thereby maintaining the reliability of the drug testing program.