We Accept


Guidelines for hair strand and other test sample submissions |
| 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 ale to test back chronologically about ten (10) months in time to see what your physiology has been exposed to. Depending on the submitted hair stand sample length we normally test for the incident date requested as well as two (2) weeks before and after the stated incident date. 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, e.g. 3″ is equal to a six (6) month time span, to seek out detections of drugs, toxins, heavy metals, poisons, and unknowns over an extended period of time. The testing choice for your submitted sample is yours. |
| 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 take pictures with a digital still or video camera of your hair sample collection in progress showing the face of the sample donor for identification in support of Chain of Custody. Retain these pictures as potential forensic evidence. |
| 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. |
| Collect a group of full length hair strands at least a ¼” 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. This will allow us to have extra for any additional testing you may request. |
| If your test sample is to 11pt 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 11pt 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 the completed Chain of Custody Form, the sealed and signed sample envelope, your evidence supporting picture, a check or money order payable to The Carlson Company LLC or your completed credit card information form (scroll down) in a second envelope and mail to: |
| The Carlson Company LLC6660 Delmonico Dr. Ste. D-425Colorado Springs, CO 80919 |
| If you have questions, please call toll free 866-889-3410 or EMAIL |
| All submitted liquid, powder, or cremains bone sliver samples are to be protected from contamination and leakage as best possible. Some samples may require refrigeration or freezing to preserve test sample integrity. |
| Not sure? Call us toll free at 1-866-889-3410. |
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| date drug testing credit card payment form Chain of Custody form |
| “Talk to a real person”: 1-866-889-3410 Toll Free Intl.+1-011 Local -719-531-6666 Business hours: Daily 7AM – 10PM MDT |