How the Marine Corps Conducts a Urinalysis Test

The Marine Corps conducts urinalysis testing through its Drug Demand Reduction Program (DDRP) to deter illegal drug use and the misuse of prescription medications. MARADMIN 614/22 directs commanders to establish and execute an aggressive urinalysis program that complies with testing requirements and holds Marines who abuse drugs accountable.

Key personnel

A urinalysis test begins when the commander appoints and trains the Marines who will run the collection. MCO 5300.17 requires commanders to designate trained Marines in writing as Urinalysis Program Coordinators (UPCs) and observers, and it requires personnel to complete training before they take part in any portion of the collection process. MARADMIN 614/22 reinforces this requirement by directing commands to issue separate appointment letters for the SACO, UPC, and observer roles and to verify each Marine completes the required training before participating in collection procedures.

Role separation matters most during the collection itself. MARADMIN 614/22 prohibits one Marine from serving as both the UPC and the observer during the same urinalysis event. This separation builds independent oversight into the process and reduces chain-of-custody disputes.

Preparation and chain-of-custody documentation

Before the collection begins, the SACO/UPC prepares the site and organizes the event around strict accountability controls. MCO 5300.17 requires the SACO/UPC to use the Drug Testing Program (DTP) software, ensure all materials and personnel are ready, secure the collection site, and maintain accountability for the specimens throughout the event. MCO 5300.17 also requires the use of DD Form 2624, the Specimen Custody Document—Drug Testing, as the standardized chain-of-custody form used to submit specimens for laboratory testing.

To track specimens internally, MCO 5300.17 requires the UPC to maintain a urinalysis ledger that records the collection date, batch number, specimen number, donor SSN, and testing premise code for each sample collected. This ledger provides an accountability record and supports later review of the collection process.

Identity verification and controlled bottle issuance

Collection begins in a controlled area where the command verifies identity before issuing bottles. MCO 5300.17 requires the Marine to present a military identification card and requires the UPC to verify identity before issuing a specimen bottle. The UPC retains the ID card until the Marine returns the bottle after collection. MCO 5300.17 also requires the UPC to control specimen bottles whenever the donor does not possess them and to keep bottles separated to prevent specimen mix-ups.

Direct observation of collection

The Marine Corps uses direct observation to prevent substitution or adulteration. MCO 5300.17 requires collection in full view of an observer and requires the observer to be the same sex as the donor. The observer must watch the donor urinate into the bottle, seal the bottle, and deliver it to the UPC while maintaining continuous observation of the specimen bottle.

MARADMIN 614/22 provides specific positioning guidance to ensure the observer clearly sees urine enter the bottle, including directing donors to stand at a 45-degree angle when necessary.

Volume requirements, inspection, and labeling

After collection, the UPC verifies that the specimen meets minimum volume requirements. MARADMIN 614/22 requires that the volume range is 30 to 75 milliliters.

The Marine then labels the bottle using standardized identifying information. MCO 5300.17 requires the label to include the date, batch number, specimen number, donor SSN, testing premise code, and donor initials, and it requires the Marine, not the UPC, to attach the label. To protect privacy, MCO 5300.17 prohibits the Marine from writing rank, name, or signature on the label. The Marine verifies the specimen by signing the ledger and initialing the label, and the UPC initials the label and signs the ledger as well.

Finally, MCO 5300.17 requires the UPC to seal the bottle with tamper-resistant tape placed across the cap so it touches the label on both sides. The Marine initials the tape to confirm the seal. If the tape breaks, the UPC applies a new piece. If the bottle leaks, the Marine transfers the urine into a new unopened bottle under observation, repeats the process, and the UPC records the issue in the ledger.

Packaging, documentation review, and shipment

After sealing, the UPC packages the specimen and completes final paperwork checks. MARADMIN 614/22 requires the UPC to place each specimen bottle into a leak-proof secondary bag with sufficient absorbent material. MARADMIN 614/22 also requires the UPC to review all chain-of-custody documentation before shipment, including verifying DD Form 2624 and confirming that all entries and signatures are complete. MCO 5300.17 likewise places responsibility on the SACO/UPC to ensure proper documentation and accountability before submitting specimens to the laboratory.

Issues with testing procedures

Because urinalysis results often carry serious administrative and punitive consequences, the credibility of the result depends on the command following the required procedures. MCO 5300.17 and MARADMIN 614/22 impose detailed collection, observation, labeling, documentation, and shipping requirements specifically to protect specimen integrity and preserve the chain of custody. When the unit fails to follow those requirements, whether through role confusion, improper observation, missing documentation, specimen handling errors, or chain-of-custody gaps, that failure creates a concrete basis to argue that the test result is not reliable or credible, and that the command should not treat it as a trustworthy indicator of drug use.

If you are facing a positive urinalysis result, it is critical to consult quickly with an experienced military attorney.

Official demonstration video

The training video “Urinalysis Program Coordinator Testing Procedural Guidelines” (Marines TV Training Video, Jan. 3, 2023) demonstrates proper collection procedures.