In the world of drug testing—especially within federally regulated industries—accuracy, accountability, and integrity are non-negotiable. Every step, from sample collection to test results, must be meticulously documented. At the center of this process is a critical document known as the CCF, or Custody and Control Form.
So, what is a CCF drug test, and how does the chain of custody form ensure valid and traceable results? In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about CCF drug testing, its importance, and how it helps uphold legal and procedural standards.
What Is a CCF Drug Test?
A CCF drug test refers to a drug testing process that uses a Custody and Control Form (CCF) to document the handling of a urine specimen from start to finish. The CCF ensures that the sample collected for drug testing is tracked at every point in the process—from collection to laboratory testing to final results.
Importantly, the CCF is not a type of drug test itself. Instead, it is the official form used to document the drug testing process, especially in federally regulated programs such as those overseen by the Department of Transportation (DOT) or other government agencies.
What Is the Chain of Custody Form in Drug Testing?
The Chain of Custody Form is another name for the CCF. It is a legal document that tracks the specimen’s journey, recording who handled it, when, and where. This form ensures:
- Proper identification of the donor
- Accurate sample labeling and handling
- Secure transfer and storage of the sample
- Reliable and defensible test results
The chain of custody is especially critical in situations involving legal or employment consequences, such as workplace testing, probation drug testing, or compliance with DOT regulations.
When Is a CCF Required?
The CCF is mandatory for all federally regulated drug testing programs, including:
- DOT-regulated industries (e.g., trucking, aviation, rail, maritime, pipeline)
- Federal workplace drug testing
- Court-ordered and legal testing
- Employment testing in safety-sensitive positions
Any time drug testing falls under federal oversight or legal scrutiny, the CCF must be used to ensure the process is valid and defensible.
Parts of the CCF: What’s Included?
The standard Federal CCF is a five-part form, with each copy serving a specific purpose:
- Copy 1 – Lab Copy: Accompanies the specimen to the lab for testing.
- Copy 2 – Medical Review Officer (MRO) Copy: Sent to the MRO to verify and review results.
- Copy 3 – Collector’s Copy: Retained by the collection site.
- Copy 4 – Employer Copy: Given to the employer for records.
- Copy 5 – Donor Copy: Provided to the person being tested.
The form includes key sections to document:
- Donor identification and consent
- Time and date of collection
- Sample temperature and volume
- Split specimen labeling (A and B bottles)
- Collector and MRO signatures
- Remarks about observed behavior or issues
How the Chain of Custody Process Works
Here’s a step-by-step look at how a drug test using a CCF is conducted:
- Donor Identification and Consent
The donor provides a valid form of ID and signs the CCF to authorize testing. - Sample Collection
A urine sample is collected following strict guidelines to prevent tampering. - Initial Inspection
The collector checks temperature and volume immediately to ensure the sample is valid. - Sealing and Labeling
The sample is split into two containers (A & B), sealed, and labeled with barcode stickers matching the CCF. - Chain of Custody Begins
Every individual who handles the sample signs and dates the CCF, noting the time and purpose of the transfer. - Shipping to Laboratory
The sealed specimen and CCF are sent to a SAMHSA-certified lab for analysis. - Laboratory Testing
The lab conducts screening and confirmatory testing for drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, opioids, and PCP. - MRO Review
The Medical Review Officer evaluates the test results, contacts the donor if needed (e.g., for medical prescription validation), and makes a final determination. - Reporting
Results are sent to the employer or agency, with a copy retained for the donor and all involved parties.
What Happens If the Chain of Custody Is Broken?
Any break in the chain—such as missing signatures, incorrect dates, or lost forms—can invalidate the test. This is especially serious in:
- Legal settings (court cases, parole)
- Workplace discipline or hiring decisions
- DOT compliance audits
Maintaining the chain of custody ensures that the sample tested belongs to the right person and hasn’t been tampered with or mishandled.
Paper vs. Electronic CCF (eCCF)
Historically, the CCF was completed on paper. However, electronic Custody and Control Forms (eCCFs) are now approved for DOT testing and widely adopted.
Benefits of eCCF:
- Faster and cleaner data entry
- Fewer errors or missing fields
- Real-time tracking of the specimen process
- Enhanced data security
Both paper and electronic forms are legally valid as long as they meet federal requirements.
Final Thoughts
In federally regulated drug and alcohol testing, the CCF and the chain of custody process are essential safeguards. They protect the integrity of test results, ensure fairness for all parties, and uphold compliance with government standards.
Understanding what a CCF drug test entails — and how the chain of custody form fits into the process — is crucial for employers, employees, legal professionals, and testing providers. When properly followed, this system helps maintain a transparent, traceable, and trustworthy drug testing environment.
