When substances are ingested, metabolites are formed. These metabolites and the substances flow through the bloodstream and are deposited in the nail bed, growing into the nail tissue.
Like hair testing, nail testing detects substances and their metabolites that are deposited into the nail tissue.
Hair testing can provide a clear timeline of use. Hair close to the scalp is about one week old, meaning recent use can be determined. When a hair sample is sectioned, i.e. cut into 1cm pieces, a month-by-month journey of use can be established.
Nail testing is not as clear cut. Nails grow more slowly than hair, and toenails even more slowly than fingernails. The detection window for fingernails is six months and for toenails the detection window is 12 months.
Nails cannot be cut into sections as with hair. Therefore, it is not possible to detect one-time use or determine a pattern of use.
Nail testing is an appropriate alternative when collection of a hair sample is not possible. A hair sample may be inappropriate due to short length, balding or cosmetic treatments.
Nail testing can also be a useful alternative when religious or cultural practice does not allow collection of hair samples.
Nails contain the same drugs and metabolites as hair. As such, with appropriate methods and equipment a laboratory can detect the same panel of medications, drugs, or illicit substances as with hair.
At the collection appointment, the collector will provide the person being tested (the donor) with a clean pair of nail scissors / clippers. The donor will then be asked to cut their own finger or toenails in front of the collector.
All ten nails should be clipped to ensure a sufficient sample weight.
The nail clippings will then be packed securely under chain of custody and sent to the laboratory for analysis.
Fake nails sit on top of the natural nail. Because of this, fake nails must be removed prior to a sample collection.
Some cosmetic treatments can affect nails and nail quality. Anything that damages the outer layers of the nail may reduce levels of drugs in the nail.
We have trained collectors across Australia that can perform nail sample collections.
Locations around Australia include
• Melbourne / Morwell / Bendigo / Ballarat
• Brisbane
• Canberra
• Sydney / Newcastle / Wollongong
• Adelaide
• Perth / Fremantle
• Hobart
No. Alcohol testing in nails looks for the alcohol metabolite produced by the body following alcohol consumption, ethyl glucuronride (EtG). This differs from the specific alcohol formulas used in hand sanitisers and can be readily distinguished during testing.
The minimum length of nail required is 2 – 3mm. Samples will be taken from all ten nails to achieve sufficient sample weight.
Yes. Toenail samples from individuals with diabetes or peripheral artery disease are unsuitable, as these conditions can affect the results.
