Fingernail Drug Testing
With fingernail drug testing from Transmetron, we can detect a history of drug use that has occurred within the last few months. Our staff offers fingernail and toenail drug testing, which can be a thorough method of detecting drugs when done properly.
How Is a Fingernail Drug Test Similar to Hair Drug Testing?
Similar to hair follicle testing, fingernails and toenails provide detailed information and a history of drug use. Depending on the length of the nail, fingernail drug testing evidence can be gathered that shows all drug ingestion that has occurred within the last 6–8 months. Please call our fingernail drug testing lab to get more information on the different drugs that can be detected and how the time frames may vary as the technology for fingernail bed drug testing continues to advance.
How Fingernail Drug Testing Typically Works
Drug abuse has been detectable in nails since 1984, but the growing need for longer detection periods has brought fingernail bed drug testing into the spotlight. Similar to hair follicles, fingernails are made of keratin, a hard protein, and are tested using the same process as hair follicle testing. Drugs enter the nail from the bloodstream at the nail bed, becoming incorporated into the growing keratin as the nail develops. These substances remain locked in the nail, providing a reliable record of drug use over time.
Fingernail Drug Tests Offered
We offer the following fingernail bed drug tests: 5 Panel, 10 Panel, 14 Panel, 16 Panel, 17 Panel, and 19 Panel. We also offer the following “add-on” or standalone tests: Diphenhydramine, High-Potency Opioids (HPOs), EtG (direct Ethanol Biomarker), Propofol Glucuronide, Kratom, Gabapentin, and Cotinine (nicotine metabolite).
Detection Window for Fingernail Drug Tests
We are often asked, “How far back does a nail test go?” – meaning “What is the Detection Window for nail tests?”
- Finger Nail Sample = Up to 6 months
- Toe Nail Sample = Up to 10-12 months
Please note that because drugs and/or their metabolites take time to show up in nails, recent drug use will not be detectable in the nail sample. It typically takes one to two weeks for a chemical substance to appear in the nail.
Transmetron's method in testing fingernails for drugs
- The nail is clipped and shaved for testing
- It is then cleaned thoroughly with a chemical substance
- The cleaned specimen is then liquefied and tested.
Almost nothing can alter the chemical composition of the nail’s hard keratin protein, making it very difficult to alter the test or artificially produce a negative result.
Please contact the Transmetron lab for more details on the precise processes used to perform fingernail drug testing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Nail Bed Drug Test?
A nail bed drug test, also known as a fingernail drug test or keratinous matrix test, is a screening method used to detect the presence of drugs in an individual’s system. It involves obtaining small clippings from the nails and testing them for drug metabolites.
How is a Nail Bed Drug Test Done?
A nail bed drug test, also known as fingernail drug testing, is done by collecting a small sample of the person’s fingernail clippings or scrapings. These samples are then cleaned and liquefied with a chemical substance before being analyzed for any traces of drugs. The process is non-invasive and painless for the individual being tested.
What is the Purpose of a Nail Bed Drug Test?
The main purpose of a nail bed drug test is to detect any substance abuse or illegal drug use over an extended period. This type of drug test is often used in workplace settings, probation programs, and legal cases where there is suspicion of long-term or chronic drug use.
How Accurate Are Nail Bed Drug Tests?
Nail bed drug tests are generally considered to be highly accurate, with a detection window of up to 3-6 months, depending on the length of the person’s fingernails. They are also less prone to manipulation and tampering compared to other types of drug tests, such as urine or saliva tests.
How Long Until Results Are Available?
The results of a nail bed drug test can typically be available within 24-48 hours. This is because the sample needs to be sent to a laboratory for fingernail drug testing and analysis, which takes time. However, in urgent cases where immediate results are needed, there are rapid on-site nail bed drug tests available that can provide results within minutes.