Fingernail Drug Testing

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Fingernail drug testing offers a highly reliable and alternative solution for detecting drug and alcohol use. Simple to collect, stable for storage and shipping, and highly effective, fingernails are quickly becoming a preferred specimen type for long-term detection. They are also useful when hair is not available since they provide a long detection window.

Like hair, fingernails are made of keratin, a durable protein that captures substances as they pass through the bloodstream beneath the nail bed. As the nail grows, these substances become locked into the nail structure. Because fingernails are about four times thicker than hair strands, they can often retain higher levels of biomarkers.

Fingernail Drug Test Detection Window

Drug and alcohol use can typically be detected in fingernails 1–2 weeks after use, with a detection window that may extend up to 3–6 months, depending on the substance, usage amount, and individual metabolism.  Furthermore, if a toenail specimen is used, some drug metabolites and their biomarkers may be detectable in the toenail sample for approximately 12 months. 

Fingernail Drug Test Collection Process

Fingernail testing is quick and non-invasive. The donor clips all ten fingernails in front of a trained collection specialist. A sample of approximately 2–3 mm (about the width of a quarter) from each nail provides the optimal total specimen amount of about 100 mg, ideal for both screening and confirmation testing. For larger testing panels, additional nail may be required. We recommend using a jeweler’s scale to ensure proper specimen weight.

Fingernail testing is an excellent choice for organizations and individuals seeking a longer detection window and a secure, tamper-resistant method of drug and alcohol screening.

What are Some Limitations to Fingernail Drug Testing?

Some of the limitations associated with fingernail drug testing are as follows 

  • Provides a result for the specified detection window but does not provide dose or frequency of use information.
  • Single doses are unlikely to produce a positive result.
  • Nails must be clear of any substances, including but not limited to cosmetic treatments (e.g. polish, artificial acrylic, gel, or silk overlay), and non-cosmetic substances (e.g. dirt, substance residue oils, stains, inks or dyes, etc.) before collection

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