Substance Use Testing

A Turning Point offers substance use testing, typically referred to as drug testing, to ensure the complete treatment compliance for individuals involved in the criminal justice system, to include individuals involved in legal proceedings, probation, parole, or child welfare cases. A Turning Point provides the following substance use testing methodologies:

Urinalysis Testing
Breathalyzer Testing
Hair Strand Testing
Oral Fluid Testing

A Turning Point collects client samples on a randomized schedule at our office. All sample collections are visually monitored by trained staff members and follow all state and federal collection procedures and best practices.

Testing Schedule:

Monday - Thursday: 9:00 am to 8:00 pm

Friday: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

Saturday: 8:00 am to 2:00 pm

Sunday: Closed

TYPES OF SUBSTANCE USE TESTING

Urinalysis Testing

Urinalysis testing is a method used in the criminal justice system to detect the presence of drugs or alcohol in an individual's urine. This type of testing is commonly used to monitor compliance among individuals involved in legal proceedings, such as those on probation or parole, as well as in cases related to substance use disorders.

How It Works:

1. Sample Collection: A urine sample is collected from the individual, under supervised conditions to prevent tampering.

2. Laboratory Analysis: The sample is sent to a laboratory, where it is analyzed for a range of substances, which may include alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and benzodiazepines.

3. Results Interpretation: The laboratory provides a report indicating whether specific drugs were detected, typically giving both qualitative (positive or negative) and quantitative (levels present) results.

Urinalysis testing is a widely used and effective tool in the criminal justice context, providing a reliable means of detecting recent drug or alcohol use and helping to support rehabilitation and legal compliance efforts.

Breathalyzer Testing

A breathalyzer test is a common testing method used in the criminal justice system to detect the presence of alcohol, or to measure the blood alcohol content (BAC) in an individual's breath. This type of testing is often utilized for individuals involved in legal proceedings, such as DUI/DWAI (Driving Under the Influence or Driving While Ability Impaired) cases, or those on probation or parole who may be subject to monitoring for alcohol use; and can identify the recent use of alcoholic substances.

How It Works:

1. Breath Sample: The individual breathes into the device, which captures a sample of exhaled air.

2. Chemical Reaction: The breathalyzer device uses a chemical reaction to determine the alcohol concentration in the sample. Most modern devices employ infrared spectroscopy or fuel cell technology for accuracy.

3. Result Display: The device then provides a reading, typically expressed as a percentage (e.g., 0.08% BAC), which indicates the level of alcohol in the bloodstream.

Breathalyzer tests are quick and non-invasive, making them a practical tool for detecting alcohol consumption in various settings.

Hair Strand Testing

Occasionally, hair strand testing may be initiated for certain individuals involved in the criminal justice system.

Hair strand testing is a method used in the criminal justice system to detect the presence of drugs or alcohol in an individual's system over an extended period. This type of testing analyzes a small sample of hair, typically taken from the head or body, to identify substances that have been consumed.

How It Works:

1. Sample Collection: A small amount of hair is collected, usually around 1.5 inches long, from the individual. This length can provide a history of substance use for up to 90 days, as hair grows approximately half an inch per month.

2. Laboratory Analysis: The collected hair is sent to a laboratory, where it is analyzed for specific drugs or their metabolites. Common substances tested for include alcohol, opioids, cocaine, marijuana, and amphetamines.

3. Results Interpretation: The lab provides a report indicating whether drugs were detected and, in some cases, the amount, or level, of a substance in the individual's system.

Hair strand testing offers a longer detection window compared to other methods like urine or breath tests, making it a valuable tool in the criminal justice context for assessing historical substance use.

Oral Fluid Testing

Oral fluid testing, commonly known as saliva testing, is a method used in the criminal justice system to detect the presence of drugs or alcohol in an individual's system. This type of testing involves collecting a sample of saliva, which can provide insights into recent substance use.

How It Works:

1. Sample Collection: A saliva sample is collected using a swab or a specialized device that absorbs saliva from the inside of the mouth. This process is quick and non-invasive.

2. Laboratory Analysis: The sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis, where it is tested for a variety of substances, which may include marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and alcohol.

3. Results Interpretation: The laboratory provides a report indicating whether any drugs or alcohol were detected in the sample, often providing a qualitative result (positive or negative) and, in some cases, the amount, or level, of a substance in the individual's bloodstream.

Oral fluid testing is advantageous for its ease of use, providing a practical tool for detecting recent substance use in various criminal justice contexts.

Urinalysis Testing and Oral Fluid Testing samples are analyzed by Cordant Health Solutions, following rigorous procedures for performing analyses and testing. Initial screening and confirmation methods conform to the most up-to-date and universally accepted procedures, including stringent guidelines for maintaining quality control according to CAP-FDT requirements. In addition to strict internal quality control measures, Cordant Health Solutions participates in rigorous external quality control programs with the College of American Pathology (CAP) and the American Association of Biocatalysts (AAB). Cordant Health Solutions utilizes state of the art instrumentation and has redundant screening and confirmation instrumentation to be utilized in the event of an instrument break down.

Cordant Health Solutions utilizes the Sentry randomization system. If you are a current client of A Turning Point, please access the Sentry system by dialing your local Sentry phone number below and entering your ID number.

(719) 347-8247 or Check-in on the MyCallin website at https://www.mycallin.com

Hair Strand Testing samples are analyzed by Omega Laboratories, a state-of-the-art laboratory testing facility, which utilizes enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and GC/MS/MS and LC/MS/MS technologies. Omega Laboratories has been positioned as the leader in the alternative specimen testing industry. Through continued expansion and commitment to the acceptance of hair testing amongst regulatory agencies, Omega Laboratories meets, or exceeds, all testing methodologies and guidelines, is highly accredited for alternative specimen testing, and was the first domestic drug screening organization to be accredited to internationally recognized ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Using the latest technology and its highly experienced staff, Omega Laboratories has become the home of "The Future of Drug Testing."

Avoiding a Dilute Urine Sample

Urine samples are referred to as DILUTE if the creatinine is less than 20 mg/dl. This level was chosen as the standard as most people must consume a significant amount of fluids to produce a specimen with a creatinine lower than 20 mg/dl. Urine dilution is of interests as consuming large amounts of fluids in order to dilute urine with hopes of having a negative urine sample is a common method to avoid detection of substances being used. Dilution is also the method by which many over-the-counter urine cleaners work.

Since dilution can be used to mask substance use, it is imperative to ensure provided samples are not diluted. When providing random urinalysis samples, you can follow some simple guidelines to help avoid a dilute sample. These guidelines are:

Avoid all diuretics, including coffee and tea, the day you are required to provide a sample until after the collection has been completed.
Provide the urine sample while the first morning urine is still in your bladder to use this as the specimen.
If it is not possible to provide a sample early in the day, then you should empty your bladder at least two (2) hours prior to your planned arrival at the collection site.
Prior to your planned arrival at the collection site, you should NOT consume more than 24oz of fluid; and the consumed fluid should be a substantial fluid such as milk, smoothie, tomato juice; and/or eat a protein high meal or snack, such as eggs, cheese, or meat.

By following the above guidelines, you will help to avoid dilute urine samples and ensure that the result of your test provides a valid indicator of your sobriety.

Substance Use Testing

TYPES OF SUBSTANCE USE TESTING

Urinalysis Testing

Breathalyzer Testing

Hair Strand Testing

Oral Fluid Testing

Sample Testing Laboratories

Avoiding a Dilute Urine Sample

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