Who should choose EtG fingernail testing?
Like EtG hair testing, EtG fingernail testing is usually performed as the result of a legal proceeding. In child custody and divorce cases where child custody is contested because of a person's alleged alcohol use, EtG fingernail testing has been used.
Since fingernail testing has a very large detection window, individuals considering fingernail testing should understand that a positive result may not necessarily indicate recent alcohol use.
How long can EtG be detected with a fingernail test?
Depending on the amount of alcohol consumed and the frequency of that consumption, detection times can extend to approximately 90 days.
How is EtG fingernail testing performed?
Fingernail testing is painless, and the sample is collected by the donor while the collector observes.
When the donor arrives, the collector will verify that the donor is able to provide a viable nail sample. After it is determined that the donor is able to provide a sample, they are provided with a single use nail cleaner, scrub brush, and sponge that contains antiseptics which ensure that the nail sample is clean of any outside contaminants. After the donor has thoroughly washed and dried their hands and fingernails using the provided cleaning materials, the donor will proceed to clip each fingernail as close to the nailbed as possible using a sterilized nail clipper.
After the specimen is collected, the collector will package the sample, seal it, and ship it to the laboratory for testing.