1. Marine Corps Urinalysis Program

2. Introduction
The urinalysis program includes an extremely detailed and comprehensive set of procedures. Because of the nature of urinalysis, these procedures are designed to protect the rights of Marines while structuring a deterrent program.

3. The most effective program is very time consuming, considering the volume of urine collected and the amount of detail involved in transferring these samples to the lab and retrieving accurate results.

4. Learning Objectives
Know and understand the urinalysis testing premises.
Describe the urinalysis collection procedure.
Describe shipping and handling procedures.
State the requirements for Observers and Coordinators.
Demonstrate the urinalysis collection procedure.

5. Purpose of Urinalysis
Deterrence for Marines disposed to use illegal drugs.
Early identification of Marines involved with use of illegal drugs.
Confirmation of drug presence necessary for administrative and/or disciplinary action.

6. Urinalysis? Is cost effective Is practical for mass screening
Provides scientifically supportable evidence
Is adaptable to quality control

7. SACO’s Role... Administer the command Urinalysis Program
Maintain all urinalysis files
Ensure Observers and UPCs are properly trained
Maintain and update directives and instructions pertaining to urinalysis
Ensure command compliance with Marine Corps and Navy requirements

8. The Drug Testing Program (DTP) will be utilized and maintained by either the SACO or UPC.
Provide CO with answers to questions concerning their Program and ways to make it better

9. Critical Aspects of the Urinalysis Program
Since the urinalysis program is a critical aspect of the Marine Corps’ deterrence program, and since it requires so much attention to detail that can make or break the program, it is important to understand how to go about setting up a strong program.

10. Critical program issues are:
Collection is the weakest link. Procedures must be carefully carried out.
Disciplinary action from a positive sample is dependent upon tight legal processes.
It is critical to make direct observations.
Following a strict chain-of-custody procedures is critical.

11. You must use responsible, trained individuals that are appointed in writing. Test day and time must remain unannounced. Random testing with smaller groups is the most effective. The urine sample must be tested by a certified Navy Drug Screening laboratory. Urinalysis must be conducted in accordance with MCO

12. Command Confirmation
Upon receipt of laboratory confirmation, an assessment to determine legality of the drug’s presence must be made by the Commanding Officer.
Check medical records
Check dental records
Check OQR/SRB
Check Chain of Custody documents

13. Command Confirmation The Marine is a drug user.
A drug related incident occurs when, in the Commander’s judgment, the preponderance of the evidence establishes that the Marine used, possessed, or trafficked a controlled substance.

14. Command Confirmation The Marine is not a drug user.
In cases where the commander determined that the urinalysis test results involved an administrative error or prescribed medication, etc. The positive sample is not a drug related incident.

15. Member’s Consent Test conducted with member’s consent (VO)
Members suspected of having unlawfully used drugs may be requested to consent.
Prior to requesting consent, the command representative should advise member that he/she may decline to provide sample.
Consent should be obtained in writing.

16. Probable Cause Tests (PO)
If a member declines to provide a urine sample, and there is probable cause to believe that the members has committed a drug offense
A urine test will produce evidence of that offense
Commander may direct this type of testing
Conducted whenever a Marine is apprehended for illegal drug use or connected with any incident in which drug use may be a contributing factor.

17. Inspections
Urinalysis inspections are designed to insure military fitness, good order and discipline of a unit.
Such inspections, help ensure that assigned personnel are fit and ready for duty and that personnel using illegal drugs are identified.

18. Inspections continued
Commands shall not order urinalysis inspections for the primary purpose of obtaining evidence for trial by court-martial or for other disciplinary purposes.
However, urinalysis inspections results may be used for any purpose, including disciplinary action and characterization of service in separation proceedings.

19. Random Samples (IR)
It will be conducted on all Marines, regardless of grade or position, MCO P states that each unit will conduct minimum of 10% of the unit monthly. As frequently as testing facilities and organizational missions permit.
Testing should be done often enough to act as a deterrent, but not so frequently that it adversely affects morale or creates an administrative burden.
To enhance the deterrent value of such testing DoD has mandated a drug testing software be used to select the personnel for testing.

20. Random Samples (IR) Random testing must use DTP software.
IR may be conducted on entire unit or partial unit (company, platoon, work section, etc.).
An effective urinalysis program should remain unannounced.

21. Unit Sweeps (IU)
This is testing of an entire unit or the selection of an entire sub-unit or identifiable segment of a command.
Examples of a sub-unit include:
An entire department/staff agency.
Company
Platoon
Section

22. Other service directed testing (OO)
An inspection directed by the Secretary of the Navy or the CMC.
Local command substance abuse counseling center staff.
Those personnel involved in collection / testing / shipment of urine samples, will be tested once per month.
Reenlistments UA / PCS / Leave/ New Joins to the unit.

23. Accession Testing (NO)
Testing of all personnel seeking accession into the Marine Corps.
Such tests are conducted within 72 hours after the Marines Initial Entry on Active Duty following enlistment or appointment.

24. Command Directed Screening (CO)
Ordered by commander when a member’s behavior or conduct gives rise to a reasonable suspicion of drug abuse or whenever drug use is suspected within a unit.
The distinction between command directed, probable cause, and voluntary is important for disciplinary purposes.
Consult with the command Staff Judge Advocate prior to utilizing this premise code.

25. Command Directed Screening (CO)
Examples are:
Assault
Larceny
Indebtedness
Motor vehicle offense to include:
Arrests for excessive speed.
Loss of control of the vehicle/accident.
Driving under the influence.
Only the CO can order a urinalysis. This authority cannot be delegated.

26. Additional Inspections
Physician-Directed Screening (MO)
Safety, Mishap, and Accident Testing (AO)
Drug and Alcohol Dependency Treatment and Rehabilitation (RO)

27. Urinalysis Testing
The unit Coordinator and Observers will be appointed in writing and assigned the duties.
The following procedures for testing have been proven by court martial proceedings to be the most effective.

28. Testing Procedures The Unit SACO / Coordinator should:
Determine who will be tested and what testing premise to use by conferring with the Commanding Officer.
Establish an adequate location.
Prepare an authorization letter (in writing for Commanding Officer’s signature)
Prepare bottle labels, urinalysis ledgers, and custody documents utilizing the DTP software which will assign the 4-digit batch numbers.
Announce test and personnel selected to be tested.
Assemble personnel to be tested.

29. Testing Procedures
Verify positive identification of member being tested. NOTE: Use the member’s military ID.
Give member bottle (verifying bottle number and batch number)
Have member verify bottle to ensure…no debris, etc.
Under direct observation, member provides urine sample and tightens cap on the bottle. NOTE: If the member is unable to provide a urine sample, he/she will be detained at the collection site until a sample can be provided.
Ensure bottle contains at least 30 ml of urine, this is approximately 1/3 full.

30. Testing Procedures Ensure cap is on tight.
Verify EDIPI on the label, 2624 form, and testing register.
Provider verifies his/her data on specimen bottle label. And initials were it says SM.
Verify required information on label legibly and place label on bottle.
Provider places tamper-resistant tape on bottle with the tape touching both sides of the label, initials the tamper tape on top of the bottle .
Provider turns sample over to unit coordinator.
Unit coordinator initials bottle label.
Provider signs ledger verifying his/her specimen is correct and completed.
Unit coordinator places bottle in the box and returns ID card.

31. Testing Procedures
Observer signs ledger verifying he/she observed sample being provided.
The unit coordinator maintains continuous control of samples and completes Urine Custody Document DD 2624 form.
After collecting all samples, the unit coordinator signs and dates block 11a of Urine Sample Custody Document as the releaser. The urine samples are delivered, by the unit coordinator, to the appropriate collection facility for mailing.

32. Observing the Urine Collection
Observers will be briefed on their responsibilities before every urinalysis.
Walk with provider to the head.
The observer never loses sight of the bottle or take possession of the bottle.
Ensure males use urinal only. Only one subject will provide a sample at a time. If the subject is female, keep the stall door open; the provider will use a medical specimen container for collection of the urine sample; this is then transferred by the provider to a urine specimen bottle in view of the observer.
Stand or position himself/herself to clearly view the urine actually entering the bottle or dispensing cup and then bottle.
Accompany the subject to the unit coordinators table.
Observer signs ledger verifying he/she observed sample being provided.

33. SACO’s Be aware of the following problematic situations.
When the unit coordinators and/or observers are unprepared for the mission.
When the observer fails to sign the ledger.
When the observer does not accompany the subject to and from the head.
When the same procedures are not used on every subject. (Favoritism.)
When an atmosphere of confusion surrounds the collection process.
When the unit coordinator signs the chain of custody with his/her own urine sample on the same sheet.
When the coordinator does not pay attention to detail in verifying the SSN and batch numbers.

34. Dilution takes place when someone has drank excessive amounts of water and the substance is being diluted by the water, there will be less traces of the substance)
Adulteration is when something was put into the bottle/urine before or after the urine was taken. The lab can detect that is was not processed threw the body.

35. CRITICAL ASPECTS DO
Remember every bottle of urine holds a Marine’s career, so treat it accordingly.
Test with the idea that the results will be used in a Courts-Martial.
Test smaller numbers of people more frequently using random method.

36. CRITICAL ASPECTS DO
Plan the set up of your collection site (keeping unnecessary personnel out of the area).
Keep all members in control environment until sample is collected.
Review paperwork for errors.

37. CRITICAL ASPECTS DO NOT
Let a collected urine sample out of your view at any time.
Allow unauthorized personnel to interfere with the collection process.
Use felt tipped pens or pencils on any document or forms.
Announce the testing day or time early.

38. STORAGE AND SHIPMENT Prepare specimens for shipment as follows:
A. The primary modes of shipment will be through regular U.S. Postal Service mail or direct hand delivery. There is no requirement for the U.S. Postal Service to sign for the shipment. Acceptance into the U.S. Postal Service should be noted on DD Form 2624 retained by the coordinator.

39. STORAGE AND SHIPMENT
Urine specimens do not require refrigeration or freezing before shipment, but should be shipped as soon as possible after collection or provided with incontestable security and chain of custody measures while awaiting shipment. All specimens collected will be shipped for testing.
Procedures for storage are the same as for Confidential Material (e.g. double lock and key).

40. Preparing Specimens for Shipment
Secondary Container
Absorbent Material
Waterproof Mailer for (DD FORM 2624)
Coordinator’s Signature
“Clinical Specimen-Urine Samples”
U. S. Postal Service

41. MCO 5300.17 & Urinalysis Coordinators Handbook
RESOURCES
MCO & Urinalysis Coordinators Handbook

42. QUESTIONS??