A chain of custody form references a document trail showing the custody, control, transfer, and analysis of a human specimen test. A proper chain of custody form ensures a specimen is properly handled from collection through the testing process. A chain of custody from also clearly lists substances that are being tested during a drug test. The Department of Transportation added four semi-synthetic opioids (i.e., hydrocodone, oxycodone, hydromorphone, oxymorphone) to its drug testing panel.  It also added methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) as an initial test analyte and removed the testing for methylenedioxyethylamphetaime (MDEA). These changes went into effect at the beginning of 2018, as a result the chain of custody forms which are filled out for every drug test changed to reflect the new DOT panel.

The revised CCF includes the following changes:

In Step 1D:

• Removal of the checkbox, the letters “DOT” and hash line in front of the text “Specify DOT Agency”

In Step 5A:

• Addition of four new analytes: oxycodone (OXYC), oxymorphone (OXYM), hydrocodone (HYC), and hydromorphone (HYM),
• Removal of the analyte methylenedioxyethylamphetamine (MDEA).

It is extremely important that anyone handling chain of custody forms for their own company or an outside clinic is utilizing the new chain of custody forms. If an old form is used it creates delays in testing and receiving results. Each time an old chain of custody form is received affidavits must be acquired by the collector before the certifying scientist can confirm the result at the lab.

Copy of new chain of custody form: file:///C:/Users/Marketing/Downloads/Att%20C%20Fed%20CCF.pdf

Resources: https://www.transportation.gov/odapc/Notice_CCF_December_2017