3. Rushing through the test process
You don’t need to write a book— just briefly explain any unusual circumstances.
We oſten see BATs rush through the test and try to start working on the next step before they have finished the current step. Proceed methodically through the process to ensure you don’t leave out any steps or forget to explain something important to the donor. The BAT must understand all the
displays on the device they are using and know what to do at each point in the process. For example, some devices will prompt the BAT to mount or insert a mouthpiece—the BAT should wait for that prompt before selecting and opening the mouthpiece.
2. Referring to an Accuracy Check as a Calibration
drug tests are not medical procedures so don’t get carried away. You can document any “he said” / “she said” situations on a separate paper and keep it with your copy of the ATF. For example, in the event of a positive
test or an unusual circumstance, we fre- quently see Breath Alcohol Technicians (BATs) document “DER notified” in step 3, tear apart & distribute the copies and THEN call the DER. That is not a correct procedure; anything you write on the ATF must be accomplished BEFORE you tear apart and distribute the copies. Though the ATF includes more space
than the Custody & Control Form, it still is not an unlimited amount of space. You don’t need to write a book—just briefly explain any unusual circumstances.
20 datia focus
A calibration does not prove that your instrument is accurately reading alcohol— the only procedure that verifies the ac- curacy of the device is a calibration check. By referring to your routine accuracy checks as calibrations, you are saying that the instrument needs to be reset frequently. An arbitrator might assume that since your device needs to be calibrated (repaired) so oſten, it is not reliable. Te DOT regulations require that an
EBT used for confirmation testing must be capable of performing an “external calibration check”. Tis procedure is also known as an “accuracy check” and is sometimes referred to as a “calibration check”. All three terms are exactly the same process and refer to a test (check) of a device’s ability to read a known alcohol standard within a specified tolerance. If the result of an accuracy check is within the acceptable tolerance as stated in the Quality Assurance Plan (QAP) for that instrument, the device is considered accurate. If the reading is outside of the acceptable tolerance, the device is not pro- viding accurate results and therefore must be calibrated.
Calibration is a maintenance procedure
that resets the instrument to a known standard and does not provide any assur- ance of accuracy. To perform a calibration the technician must have special training and be authorized by the manufacturer of the instrument. Calibrations are not regular, routine occurrences and should only be performed when required by the QAP for your instrument.
1. The number one bad habit… offering too much information or incorrect information to the donor
It is best to avoid long conversations with the donor. Stick to explanations of the process. Also, be sure to use correct termi- nology. For example, if an accuracy check is being performed do not call it a “calibra- tion,” as this can lead to confusion and ultimately to problems. It is best to say as litle as possible while geting the job done. In training, we provide BAT students
with a list of scripted statements to use during the collection process. Tere are fre- quently only two answers to any question or issue the donor may bring up. 1. The DOT rules require us to do the test in this way.
2. You should discuss that with your employer. If the subject is asking about procedural
issues, for example, the proper answer is, “Te DOT rules say we have to do it this way.” Or, for a non-regulated test, “Your company policies say we have to do it this way.” When the rare positive result does come
up, subjects sometimes want to discuss consequences of a positive test or promote theories about where the alcohol came from. Te proper answer for anything re- lated to consequences or the source of the alcohol is, “You should discuss your concerns with your employer.” Don’t be afraid to sound like a broken
record. If the donor keeps asking the same questions, keep giving them the same answers. Do not try to over-explain.
spring 2015
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