Nail Drug Testing

What is nail drug testing and how is it performed?
Drugs: Fingernail samples generally provide drug use history up to 6 months and toenail samples can provide a drug use history up to a year.

Alcohol: Fingernail samples generally provide alcohol use history up to 90 days. Alcohol testing cannot be done in the toenails.

Nail samples are collected using standard nail clippers and are collected by the donor with a specimen collector present. Nail samples must be approximately 2 - 3 millimeters in length beyond the nail bed on all fingers or all toes to provide a sample of sufficient weight. We do not mix finger and toenail samples. Doing so cannot provide an accurate use history. We do not perform any nail screens using "scrapings," only clippings.
 

How we can help.
We can provide confidential and court defensible nail drug testing services to concerned private individuals, parents, attorneys, governments, corporations and private individuals. Results can be released to multiple individuals if necessary and in some cases can even be performed anonymously. In situations where donors are living in other states we can coordinate the collection of their samples where each donor resides.

​​​​Setting up your test is quick and can be done over the phone.
To set up your test, call us at Tel: 636-383-9798. When you set up your test, you will be asked to provide some basic information about yourself and the donors. Payment arrangements are also made at this time if another individual is responsible for payment. Payment arrangements must be completed before any collections can be scheduled or performed. For your convenience, we accept Visa, Master Card, American Express, and Discover.

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Scheduling your collection. Appointment required
Call us at Tel: 636-383-9798 Fax: 636-387-0894 to schedule your collection appointment time or to make changes to your existing appointment.

Please bring to your appointment:​

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• Valid Driver's License - photos are not accepted, Non-Driver License (state ID), Passport, Military ID

• Copies of any court orders if the testing is ordered by a court

• List of all names, phone numbers, fax numbers and email addresses you wish for us to release the results to

• Payment is required at the time of collection unless prior arrangements have been been made​

If you will be bringing a minor for a collection, you will also need to bring:

• A photo ID of the minor (if available)

• Court order for testing that specifically lists you as having the authority to authorize testing for the minor. If you are a social worker for the state and you will be authorizing testing for the minor, you will need to bring proof of guardianship.

• Proof of guardianship if any of the following are true:

  • Your name does not appear on the minor's birth certificate

  • Your last name differs from the minor's last name and no birth certificate showing your name is presented

  • You are a relative of the minor

  • You are a family friend of the minor

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment for a nail test?

Appointments are suggested but not required.

How long will the collection take?

Nail collections take approximately 30 minutes.

I have fake nails, can I still perform the test?

Acrylic or other artificial nails must be removed by a professional before arriving for testing. We cannot remove them.

My nails are painted or treated with a strengthener, can I still perform the test?

All nail polish, paint, enamels and treatments must be completely removed before arriving for testing. We cannot remove them.

Some of my nails are over 3 millimeters and some aren't, can I still test?

Possibly. Remember that the sample is not based on actual length, but on weight. If you measure each fingernail or toenail and add up the lengths, if the sum is equal to or greater than 30 millimeters (3 centimeters) you may still be able to test.The best way to determine if you can test is to visit our office so that we can examine your sample for sufficiency.

My nails aren't long enough, how long do I need to wait before I can test?

It depends on how much of a sample you do have. In general, if your hands are protected when you work and there is little chance of them breaking or wearing away, 3 weeks is a good approximation for how long it will take for a sufficient sample to grow.

What is a testing panel, and how do I know which one to pick?

A testing panel is simply a drug or a class of drugs that should be tested for. The best option for help selecting a panel is to call us at Tel: 636-383-9798 Fax: 636-387-0894. 

How long before I get my results?

Results are typically available in 5 to 10 business days.

Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment time to check-in and complete the necessary paperwork.
The collection process will take about 30 minutes.​
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