Called PassPoint, the machine is expected to reduce costs, allow for more frequent testing and enable the facility to take on more clients. PassPoint uses a series of cameras and computers to scan for drug use through the pupil of the eye.

Joe Ferrando, director of Larimer County Community Corrections, expects the machine to reduce the number of urine samples taken from clients by 80 percent.

"The test involves four different involuntary pupil reflexes," said Michael Schmitz, general manager with Drug Impairment Detection Services, which is leasing the PassPoint machine to Community Corrections. "It measures the current impairment and the hangover."

Previously, the corrections facility collected about 140 urine samples weekly from clients in halfway houses and another 280 samples from individuals ordered by the courts to undergo drug testing. Ferrando said the facility will continue to conduct urine testing on clients who test positive with PassPoint to confirm and identify drug use.

PassPoint will also enable the facility to test for all drugs. Previously, Larimer County's standard urine test screened only for methamphetamine, cocaine, barbiturates, opiates, and marijuana. "This will catch all kinds of things you won't catch in a urinalysis," Schmitz said

Since there is no per-test cost for use, Community Corrections is expected to realize significant savings from PassPoint. Clients will be charged $10 for the screening, compared with the $15 fee for urinalysis.

Ferrando said another benefit of PassPoint is the immediate results it provides. "The behavior can be addressed immediately," he said. "It keeps them in compliance with court orders."

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