TABLE OF CONTENTS

What is Random Selection?

  • Pulse has multiple options for supporting the selection of donors for regulated or company drug testing programs.
  • Regulated drug testing performed to comply with US Department of Transportation and other agencies uses scientifically valid random selections.
  • Company or school drug free programs can be conducted under a scientifically valid random selection design, or a design that accommodates other needs.

Scientifically valid random selection process in Pulse

  • Pulse performs scientifically valid random selection. This is seeded by a random number generator developed by Microsoft called a GUID. Pulse further randomizes the selection of donors as detailed below. 
    1. The list of eligible employees enrolled in the pool is retrieved in no particular order
    2. The number of donors to select is for a test mode calculated. This is based on the selection option specified, a target number or or a target percentage.
    3. If it is the last selection for the period, additional number is added to achieve to testing period target.
    4. Each time a donor is selected from the remaining list, the following randomization steps are performed. The same process is followed for selection of alternate donors.

      Example: 100 eligible employees, with 20 donors need for random selection 
      1. BEGIN LOOP
      2. Assign a random GUID number to each of the 100 employees
      3. Sort in ascending order (smallest number to largest number) by the random GUID number
      4. Select the first 20 employees as candidates for the selection
      5. Skip (the loop number) of candidates before selecting 1 donor

        The first loop, skip 1 candidate before selecting a donor. The second loop, skip 2 candidates before selecting a donor. Repeat
      6. If the total of donors selected is the number of donors needed then exit the loop, otherwise add to loop count, and return to step b
      7. END LOOP



Random selections for regulated employees

  • Used for regulated drug testing programs under US Department of Transportation and other agencies.
  • Same donor can theoretically be selected every selection during the testing period.
  • Testing objective must be set to meet annual percentage of eligible participants.
  • Testing period is based on a calendar year.
  • Selections are made at least quarterly. 

Flexible company policy "random" selections 


  • Cannot be used for regulated drug testing programs under US Department of Transportation or other agencies.
  • Based on scientifically valid random selection method, with further options.
  • Can be used for company drug free workplace programs. 
  • Often used for testing at schools, sports leagues and other seasonal activities.
  • Testing objective can be set to meet percentage of eligible participants or set quantity per testing period.
  • Flexible testing periods, which can
    • Bridge calendar years to support traditional school schedules.
    • Be a specified time period to support sport league schedules or other seasonal activities.
  • Optionally exclude repeated selections during the testing period. Often used for student testing.