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CHOOSING A TEST

Nail Drug Testing

Learn more about what makes our
nail drug testing truly unique

ABOUT OUR TESTING

Nail testing offers a sensitive, versatile alternative to hair testing, when the latter is not possible.

Samples are processed using Liquid Chromatography with tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MSMS), with results provided in 3 days or less following receipt at our lab.

Like hair testing, nail testing can be used to detect drug and alcohol use across long detection windows. This is approximately between six and 12 months – according to whether the sample is a fingernail or toenail.

Our nail testing is accredited by UKAS, the UK gold standard for labs

Unlike hair testing, however, nail tests cannot be used to indicate patterns of substance use – only indicating if a substance was used, not when. Nail tests are also not appropriate for detecting one-off drug or alcohol use.

Sample collection is fast and non-intrusive, and can be performed anywhere under the supervision of a trained collector. In this way, nail tests are extremely difficult to cheat.

Sample collection is only possible where fingernails and toenails are long enough, and where they have a normal appearance and are not contaminated with dirt, oil, nail polish or false nails.

We take additional care and judgement when collecting from a donor with peripheral artery disease or diabetes.

What you need to know about nail testing

Detection window:

The detection window is dependent on the type of nail clipping. A three-millimetre fingernail clipping might offer a six-month exposure history. A three-millimetre toenail clipping might offer a 12-month exposure history.

Collection method:

After cleaning their hands and washing under the nails, the donor clips their fingernail or toenail in front of a trained collector. Clippers must be cleaned before use.

Advantages:

Long detection window, for testing over long timeframes.

Non-intrusive sample collection method.

Collection can be observed.

Offers a useful alternative to hair testing, when a donor lacks hair on their head or body.

Disadvantages:

Method cannot be used to detect recent substance use.

Sample collection is only possible with fingernails or toenails over a certain length.

Toenail samples must not be collected if the donor suffers from peripheral artery disease or diabetes.

Unsuitable for confirming one-time substance use.

How does nail testing work?

Ingested substances are broken down into different metabolites inside our bodies, and can therefore be used as evidence of our substance use over time.

These chemical markers pass into nail tissue – keratin – via blood vessels underneath the nail. In turn, the metabolites become ‘trapped’ within the nail. As the nail grows longer and thicker, its layers provide a history of substance use.

Ingested substances are broken down into different metabolites inside our bodies, and can therefore be used as evidence of our substance use over time.

These chemical markers pass into nail tissue – keratin – via blood vessels underneath the nail. In turn, the metabolites become ‘trapped’ within the nail. As the nail grows longer and thicker, its layers provide a history of substance use.

Ingested substances are broken down into different metabolites inside our bodies, and can therefore be used as evidence of our substance use over time.

These chemical markers pass into nail tissue – keratin – via blood vessels underneath the nail. In turn, the metabolites become ‘trapped’ within the nail. As the nail grows longer and thicker, its layers provide a history of substance use.

Testimonials

“The turnaround times are so fast, prices very reasonable compared to some others and anyone I have talked to on the phone has always had the time to answer my questions (of which I’ve had a lot!)”

- Individual

“If you are looking for a great reputable company to assist you with these results, this is the firm. Used this firm recently and dealt with a friendly customer service that organised collection to our offices quickly and easy. Our collector J***** was friendly and efficient and made our client feel at ease. Results came back within 3 days and processed very quickly. Will definitely use again, thank you team.”

- Family Law Solicitor

“A very good experience with excellent prompt and courteous customer service. The Cansford team responded very quickly and arranged for the appropriate tests to be undertaken rapidly at my choice of location. The service was concluded with a very rapid turnaround of test results followed up with a telephone analysis of the results to enable me to understand the results.”

- Individual

“The service provided by Cansford Laboratories was exactly as promised. The nurse was on time to take my sample, which was sent to Cansford the same day, and the results were sent to me on the day agreed. A very professional organisation.”

- Individual