Yes, through forensic DNA testing services. Testing can be performed to indicate the presence of blood, saliva, or semen in a sample. The test relies on the use of chemicals, which change color when coming in contact with blood, saliva, or semen.
Yes. A profile can be obtained from urine. Over time bacteria in urine can degrade DNA, so fresh or frozen urine is the best type of sample to test. Here is the guide to collect samples to follow.
Yes, there are alternate DNA sources for testing. Instead of using nuclear DNA testing, we would use mitochondrial DNA testing. The mitochondrial genome is highly polymorphic or varies greatly from one person to another, making it useful for human identification. Because mitochondrial genes exist in high amounts within a cell they are very useful when analyzing samples that lack nuclear DNA. Mitochondria DNA testing is bit more expensive than Nuclear DNA testing involved with your case.
Yes. Y-STR testing can be used to obtain a male profile in these instances. However, a minimum amount of male DNA must be present. If a sample’s minor component is male with the major component being female, then Y-STR testing may reveal a male DNA profile. Additionally, If there are multiple male contributors in a sample, Y-STR testing may help to differentiate the individual contributors.
For reference samples, we prefer buccal swabs or blood cards, but we will also accept whole blood. If you are sending whole blood, please use appropriate shipping materials to prevent breakage.
The Carlson Company has the largest network of sample collection sites in North America. Contact us to schedule a sample collection at a local site within your community. We can also schedule sample collection at correctional facilities if needed
The sample can be sent via courier to the following address:
The Carlson Company
10343 Federal Blvd, Unit J-401.
Westminster, CO 80260.
We can analyze many sample types, including liquids, powders, pills/tablets, capsules, gels, food, beverages, supplements, unknown materials, and other submitted products or substances. The appropriate analytical method depends on the sample and the purpose of the testing.
We do not rely on a single fixed list because our analytical testing can identify a broad range of chemical constituents. GC-MS, FT-IR, XRF, HPLC, microscopy, and other appropriate methods may be selected based on the sample and suspected substance.
Depending on the sample and methodology, testing may identify drugs, medications, pesticides, insecticides, certain rodenticides, solvents, alcohols, industrial and household chemicals, food-related contaminants, and other potentially toxic substances. Some compounds require targeted testing.
Yes. We can test for many prescription, over-the-counter, and other pharmaceutical compounds. Providing the name of the suspected medication helps us determine the appropriate analytical method.
Yes. Testing may include certain organophosphate, carbamate, pyrethroid, and other pesticide or insecticide compounds. The specific compound and sample type should be discussed with the laboratory before testing.
Testing for certain rodenticides is available. Because different rat poisons contain different active ingredients, providing the suspected product or active ingredient helps determine the appropriate methodology.
Testing for ethylene glycol and other glycol-related chemicals may be available using an appropriate targeted analytical method. Please identify antifreeze as a suspected substance when submitting the sample.
Cyanide generally requires specific targeted testing and should not be assumed to be included in a routine GC-MS or FT-IR screen. Please notify us if cyanide exposure is suspected so the appropriate methodology can be determined.
Yes. Unknown-substance identification is one of our analytical services. Depending on the sample, techniques such as GC-MS, FT-IR, XRF, HPLC, and microscopy may be used individually or in combination.
Each technique provides different information. GC-MS is commonly used to separate and identify organic compounds; FT-IR identifies materials based on their infrared spectral characteristics; XRF provides elemental information; HPLC separates and analyzes compounds that may not be suitable for GC-MS; and microscopy provides physical and morphological examination.
Yes. Multiple complementary techniques may be recommended when they provide stronger identification or answer different analytical questions about the same sample.
No single analytical technique detects every possible drug, poison, toxin, pesticide, or chemical. Information about the circumstances, suspected substance, or exposure allows us to select the most appropriate analytical method and determine whether targeted testing is necessary.
The amount depends on the sample and testing requested. Contact us if only a limited quantity is available. We will determine whether the available material is sufficient before testing whenever possible.
In many cases, yes. Half of a pill may provide sufficient material for qualitative chemical analysis, depending on the testing requested.
Approximately ½ teaspoon of liquid may be sufficient for many analyses. Additional material may be requested depending on the testing required.
A Chain of Custody (COC) is required for legal/forensic cases and should accompany the evidence being submitted. The form documents the transfer and handling of the sample. The Chain of Custody (COC) form is available on The Carlson Company website under Submit Evidence / Forms & Documents. The completed COC should accompany samples submitted for forensic or legal testing.
Samples should be securely packaged, sealed, and protected against leakage, breakage, contamination, or loss during transportation. Appropriate Chain of Custody documentation should accompany forensic submissions.
Please contact us before shipping a potentially hazardous substance. Packaging and transportation requirements depend on the material and applicable carrier and transportation regulations.
Yes. Samples may be shipped using FedEx or UPS, provided they are properly packaged and comply with applicable shipping requirements.
The client is responsible for providing the shipping label and arranging shipment of the sample to the laboratory.
Our typical turnaround time is approximately 10–12 business days after the sample is received and accessioned. Certain specialized analyses may require additional time.
Expedited testing may be available depending on the analytical method, sample type, and laboratory workload. Please contact us before submission if expedited results are required.
Laboratory reports are normally delivered electronically by email to the authorized client or designated recipient.
Yes. We can provide appropriately redacted sample laboratory reports so prospective clients can see the general format and level of information provided.
Yes. Redacted examples may be provided when available to demonstrate how findings and negative results are presented.
Yes. A laboratory representative can discuss the report and explain the analytical findings and methodology in understandable terms.
No. There is no additional charge for a consultation meeting to explain the laboratory report and testing results.
Our standard sample-retention period is six weeks following completion of testing unless other arrangements have been made.
Yes. A longer retention period may be requested in writing. Please make the request before the standard retention period expires.
Yes. Remaining sample material can be returned upon request, provided material remains after the analytical process and it can legally and safely be shipped.
Yes. The sample-return handling fee is $45.
The client provides the return shipping label when remaining sample material is requested for return.
Laboratory fees are due when the sample is received and accessioned for testing unless other arrangements have been approved in advance.
Yes. American Express is accepted.
Yes. Payments made by American Express are subject to a 5% surcharge.
The Carlson Company is a private forensic and analytical laboratory. Testing is performed by scientists working in areas including toxicology, pharmacology, chemistry, forensic science, and related disciplines. We should describe specific accreditation or certification only when it applies to the particular service being provided.
Testing is conducted or reviewed by scientists with education, training, and professional experience in relevant scientific disciplines, including toxicology, pharmacology, chemistry, forensic science, and analytical testing. Qualifications applicable to a specific case can be provided when needed.
We use established analytical methodologies and emphasize scientific reliability, relevance, appropriate analytical controls, documentation, and authentication of results. The specific methodology is identified as appropriate in the laboratory documentation and report.
Yes. We routinely provide forensic analytical services for matters involving attorneys, courts, individuals, and other parties. For legal matters, proper sample handling, documentation, Chain of Custody, methodology, and interpretation are particularly important.
Yes. When appropriate, qualified experts may provide testimony regarding the testing methodology, analytical findings, scientific interpretation, and related forensic issues.
We document the sample, analytical methodology, relevant instrumental findings, and scientific interpretation. Depending on the analysis, supporting information may include chromatographic data, spectra, reference comparisons, quality controls, and other analytical documentation.
Yes. Independent Forensic Review & Litigation Support is one of our core forensic services. We can review laboratory records, analytical data, reports, methodologies, Chain of Custody documentation, and other relevant case materials.
Yes. Attorneys may discuss the circumstances of a case with us so we can better understand the forensic question and determine what testing or review may be appropriate.
The Credit Card Authorization form is available on our website under Submit Evidence / Forms & Documents. Complete the form and follow the submission instructions provided on the document.
Required forms depend on the type of case and testing requested. For most forensic submissions, a completed Chain of Custody form should accompany the sample. Additional authorization, payment, or case-specific documentation may be required. Here is the credit card acceptance form.
Yes. Current laboratory forms and submission documents can be downloaded from the Submit Evidence / Forms & Documents section of our website.
Our main telephone number is 1-866-889-3410. Please contact us with questions about testing, sample submission, case requirements, or laboratory services.
Our general laboratory email address is carlsonco@thecarlsoncompany.net. You may use this address for testing inquiries, submission questions, case communications, and general laboratory correspondence.
Our normal business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Mountain Time. The laboratory is closed on weekends.
Samples should be shipped to The Carlson Company, 10343 Federal Blvd., Suite J-401, Westminster, CO 80260. The shipping address is also listed on the Chain of Custody form.
Please call us at 1-866-889-3410 or email carlsonco@thecarlsoncompany.net. Describe the sample, circumstances, and what you are trying to determine. We can discuss the available analytical options and help identify the appropriate testing approach.
