Longer-Window Laboratory Testing
Fingernail Drug and Alcohol Testing
Fingernail testing can provide a longer historical view of drug or alcohol exposure when shorter-window testing does not meet the need. MedScreens provides professional, witnessed collection for employers, schools, agencies and individuals.
No Appointment Necessary
Walk-ins are welcome Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Bring a photo ID and any paperwork, authorization or electronic registration information supplied by the organization requesting your test.
A Longer Lookback Period
Drug Testing
As nails grow, drug-related markers may become incorporated into the keratin. A laboratory can analyze properly collected clippings for the substances included in the ordered panel.
- Useful when a longer detection window is needed
- Available panels vary according to the testing purpose
- Laboratory confirmation is performed when required
Alcohol Testing
Nail testing may be ordered to look for alcohol-related biomarkers over an extended period. It cannot determine the exact date, time or amount of alcohol consumed, and results must be interpreted according to the laboratory’s reporting criteria.
- Designed to evaluate longer-term alcohol exposure
- Not intended to measure current impairment
- Laboratory requirements determine the appropriate test
Understanding the Detection Window
Depending on nail growth, the amount of specimen available, the substance tested and laboratory requirements, fingernail testing may reflect exposure over approximately three to six months. It generally does not identify very recent use because the affected nail must grow far enough to be clipped.
What to Expect
Check In
Bring a photo ID and the testing instructions or registration information you received.
Clip the Nails
The donor clips the specimen in front of a trained collector, following the laboratory’s collection requirements.
Laboratory Testing
The sealed specimen is sent to the laboratory, and results are reported according to the order instructions.
Preparing for Collection
Allow Enough Nail Growth
The laboratory needs a sufficient amount of nail clipping for testing. If your nails are very short, bitten or recently trimmed, call MedScreens before visiting so we can discuss the collection requirements.
Polish or Artificial Nails
Nail polish, acrylics, gels or other enhancements may interfere with obtaining an acceptable specimen. Call before your visit if any are present so our staff can advise you based on the laboratory’s requirements.
Screening and Confirmed Results
A screening result and a laboratory-confirmed result are not the same. When confirmation or Medical Review Officer review is part of the testing program, the final result is released only after the required process is completed.
Is Fingernail Testing Right for Your Situation?
Call MedScreens and our staff will help you determine whether fingernail, hair, urine or another testing option best fits your needs. Call for available panels and current pricing.