Fingernail/Toenail

Fingernail/Toenail Testing

Who should choose nail testing?

Fingernail and toenail testing is usually performed in child custody and divorce cases where custody of a child is contested because of a person's alleged drug use.

Nail testing has a very broad detection window. Because of this, a positive result may not necessarily indicate recent drug use.

How long can drugs be detected with a nail test?

Detection windows for nail testing differ for fingernails versus toenails. Fingernails can detect use approximately 6 to 8 months in the past, while toenails can detect use approximately 8 to 12 months in the past.

How is nail testing performed?

Nail 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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

If your question isn't addressed, or you just want to talk to a live person, give us a call at 1 (636) 916-0050.

Appointments are suggested but are not required.

Nail tests typically take 30 minutes.

Results are typically available in 5 to 10 business days.

Yes, however, it is important that you collect the sample correctly. Before you collect a sample, we recommend that you contact our office for instructions on how to collect, store, and transport your sample.

After you have collected your sample, you will need to get it to us for testing. If you are in the Saint Louis area, you may bring the sample directly to our office for testing. If you are outside the Saint Louis area, please contact us for shipping details and instructions.

In order for a nail sample to be considered viable, every nail must meet all of the following criteria:

  • The nail must extend 3 centimeters beyond the nail bed.
  • The nail must not be stained or appear to have an unusual color
  • The nail must not contain any paint, polish, or clear coat
  • The nail must be free of acrylic nails and any residue from their previous application

Whether or not a sample is viable is the collector's discretion.

Most people don't keep their fingernails or toenails very long, so not having a sufficient quantity is pretty common. Unfortunately, the only way to make up for an insufficient quantity is to wait for the nails to grow out longer. Mixing fingernails with toenails isn't possible because of the differing detection times for each. If fingernails and toenails are mixed in a sample, the laboratory will reject the sample.

No, you will need to have these removed prior to appearing for testing. It is recommended that you visit a professional nail salon to have these properly removed.