15.0 Split Drug Test Sample

15.1 Storage of Split Specimen (49 CFR Part 40.99):

• Specimens that yield non-negative drug test results, on confirmation, will be retained by the laboratory in property security, long-term, frozen storage for 365 days.  Within this 365-day period the individual, Union Pacific, or DOT may request that the laboratory retain the specimens for an additional period.

15.2 Split Sample Request (49 CFR Part 40.171)

15.2.1 When employees are notified by the MRO that they have a verified positive drug test or refusal to test because of adulteration or substitution, they have 72 hours from the time of notification to request a test of the split specimen.  A request may be verbal or in writing to the MRO.

15.2.2 If an employee does not request a test of the split specimen within 72 hours, the employee may present to the MRO information documenting that serious injury, illness, lack of actual notice of the verified test result, inability to contact the MRO (e.g., there was no one in the MRO’s office and the answering machine was not working), or other circumstances unavoidably prevented the employee from making a timely request.

15.2.3 In mandatory post-accident testing situations, the FRA sets a 60-day time requirement for requesting a test of the split specimen.  Requests must be in writing and addressed to the FRA who will forward the request to the Laboratory.  (49 CFR Part 219.211(I)).