Question & AnswerQ&A (BHFS BUREAU CIRCULAR NO. 07 S. 2003)
Only drug testing laboratories accredited by the Department of Health (DOH) are authorized to perform collection of drug testing specimens at temporary or remote facilities.
A laboratory must secure a Permit for Remote Collection of Drug Testing Specimen (PRC-DTS) from the DOH-Bureau of Health Facilities and Services (BHFS)/Center for Health Development (CHD) not later than ten (10) working days prior to the scheduled collection.
The documentary requirements include: 1) Letter of request to conduct remote collection; 2) Notarized Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) or contract between contracting parties; 3) List of authorized personnel employed at the laboratory for remote collection; 4) Operational procedures for remote collection and transport; 5) List of supplies and transport materials such as ice chests.
Yes, a fee of Php 2,500 shall be collected from the laboratory for each remote collection site.
The PRC-DTS is valid only on the date specified on the permit.
The collection site must be located within the same administrative region as the applicant laboratory and must be accessible only by land travel, with no more than two (2) hours of land travel.
The PRC-DTS must be posted in a conspicuous area within the laboratory and temporary facility located at the remote site.
No, drug testing examinations are not allowed to be conducted at the temporary collection facility.
The minimum number of clients or donors for a remote collection site shall not be less than 50.
Violations of the terms and conditions stated in the guidelines or related rules and regulations may lead to suspension or revocation of the PRC-DTS and the accreditation of the laboratory.
The laboratory must inform the DOH-BHFS/CHD in writing at least a day before the scheduled date to reschedule the collection, with the new schedule set at the discretion of the DOH-BHFS/CHD.
Yes, the DOH-BHFS has the prerogative to inspect the proposed facility prior to the issuance of the PRC-DTS to ensure compliance with standards for specimen collection and storage.
A copy of the accomplished record of remote collection, as specified in Annex A - assessment tool, must be submitted.