Each week we will be answering common questions we get on background checks, drug testing and other HR industry practices. Got a question? Ask us at info@FirstContactHR.com

Question #4: What is the difference between a ‘diluted’ specimen, a ‘substituted’ specimen and an ‘adulterated’ specimen?

A ‘diluted’ specimen is when an individual has either intentionally ingested high levels of liquid or added a liquid to the collected specimen in order to decrease the concentration of the specimen. If a specimen is sufficiently diluted, it makes it difficult for the lab to identify any drugs that might be present. Specifically, a diluted specimen has a creatinine reading less than 20 mg/dL, but greater than 5 mg/dL, and a specific gravity less than 1.003, but greater than 1.001.

A ‘substituted’ specimen is when something other than human urine has been submitted as the candidate’s collected sample. Simply stated, such specimens do not exhibit the clinical signs or characteristics associated with normal urine. Specifically, a substituted specimen has a creatinine of less than or equal to 5mg/dL and a specific gravity less than or equal to 1.001 or greater than or equal to 1.020.

An ‘adulterated’ specimen is when an individual has introduced a foreign substance into the collected sample to intentionally disguise drugs in the urine. There are numerous products on the market, such as Klear, that are easily purchased online and have been designed for just this purpose. Specifically, an adulterated specimen is when the nitrite concentration is equal to or great than 500 cg/mL.

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