The Carlson Company llc

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Toll Free : (866) 889-3410
Local : (719) 531-6666

chain of custody form

We strongly recommend that you submit this form with your test sample

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We accept checks, money orders, major debit/credit cards, EFT
We do not offer on line credit card processing
Payment of customary UPS Ground shipping charges for sample returns are the responsibility of the sample submitter

Sample Retention Policy

FREE CONSULTATION
Providing certified, confidential, private, toxicology and DNA lab testing services to meet your specific needs
No doctor’s referral required
Convenient by mail test sample submission
Keep your identity anonymous when Chain of Custody is not a consideration

Hair strand sample collection and shipping of other test sample guidelines

Comments regarding hair strand testing

Always allow a minimum of thirty (30) days to pass following the alleged incident date before you collect a hair strand sample for testing

The average hair strand growth rate for human hair is about one half inch/month. Therefore, if the hair strand test sample is 5″ in length and the strand sample was collected today we would be able to test back chronologically about ten (10) months in time to see what your physiology has been exposed to. We normally test and evaluate hair strand samples 1.5″ in length.

(Below) Typical 1.5″ test strand

30 days prior to incident date 03/11 / Likely month of incident date 04/11 / 30 days after incident date 05/11

This testing approach compensates for vitiations in average hair strand growth.

We can also evaluate the entire length or selected segments of the hair strands to seek out harmful detections of drugs, toxins, heavy metals, poisons, and unknowns over an extended period of time.

Hair follicles or roots are not required for hair strand testing.

Each 1/2″ of hair strand growth relates to an approximate 30 day chronological time segment in the life of the sample donor. The growth which determines the chronological time period related to the incident event is always measured from the scalp or skin out thus the importance of tightly wrapping the skin end of the hair strands only in foil.

The cortex of the hair strands are not normally affected by tints, dyes, lighters, colors, permanents, or highlights since these applications are topical in nature.

You might ask your hair stylist to assist you with your hair strand sample collection. He or she or one of the other salon operators can also sign off on the Chain of Custody form as your official witness.

There is no licensing required to collect a hair strand sample since it is a non-invasive procedure. Anyone can assist you with your hair strand test sample collection.

We strongly recommend that you send a picture, a digital still or video, of the hair sample collection in progress showing the face of the sample donor for identification in support of Chain of

Custody.

Be sure to use a time/date stamp digital still or video camera.

When collecting a hair strand sample use a sharp pair of scissors, an electric shaver, or straight edge, that has been cleaned with a rubbing alcohol swab or rinse.

Collect the strand sample at the crown (vertex posterior) or back of the head at the skin, scalp line, or nape of the neck area depending on your hair style. You hair strands are homogenous.

Full length hair strand samples should be taken as close to the scalp as safely possible. Roots or follicles are not required.

Collect a group of full length hair strands at least a Â¼â€ in. in diameter (minimum) when held between the thumb and finger. If you can collect a slightly larger sample please submit that amount. Submitting a larger hair strand sample is better than to little.

If your test sample is to small you will need to submit an additional sample. If you can not provide this amount send whatever amount you have or call us toll free at 1-866-889-3410. We may be able to suggest an alternate sample depending on your specific testing needs.

Place the collected full length hair strands (scalp/skin ends) into the center of a small piece of aluminum foil about 2 inches square then tightly fold the foil up around the hair shafts to identify the scalp or root end. The tight foil wrap keeps the cut or skin ends of the strands together during shipping.

Place the tightly foiled skin or scalp ends of the hair strands into a clean, unused, white, mailing envelope which has the name of the sample donor and/or submitter printed on the face of the envelope. Seal the sample envelope with any type or color of masking or duck tape. Have your witness print their name, sample sealing time, and date on the face of the sealing tape. This step is to prevent tampering with the enclosed test sample and to originate Chain of Custody.

Place non-liquid samples, e.g. hair and nails, in an unused white mailing envelope and seal.
Print the name of the sample donor on the face of the envelope plus the date.
Please refrain from the use of plastic bags except as an over wrap for all sample storage and shipping excluding liquid containers since plastic can trap moisture and possibly compromise the integrity of the sample by aiding in the production of mold and bacteria.
Liquid samples should be shipped in a suitable leak proof container with the cap taped to the container to insure against leakage. Ask you pharmacist for a leak proof prescription bottle for this purpose. New prescription containers are reasonably sterile, minimize sample cross contamination, and offer durable, leak proof, shipping.
The amount of sample required for most powders and liquids is 1-2 teaspoons ideally. Depending on the sample we may be able to proceed with testing using a lesser amount.