An alternative testing method
Nail Testing for Drugs & Alcohol
Nail testing can be used to detect drug and alcohol use over a longer timeframe and is often chosen when hair strand testing is not possible or appropriate. Nail testing and body hair can also be used alongside scalp hair to extend the period covered by the samples to conform to the period of time instructed.
Certis BioLabs offers nail testing for drugs and alcohol to support legal, family law and safeguarding cases, as well as situations where longer-term substance use needs to be assessed.
All analytical testing is carried out by our UKAS-accredited laboratory partner, ensuring results meet recognised quality and evidential standards.
Reports are prepared to court-compliant formats and are based on accredited laboratory analysis, with expert interpretation available where required. Our team provides clear, supportive guidance throughout the process to help clients and professionals determine whether nail testing is the most suitable option for their circumstances.
Contact our team to discuss whether nail testing is appropriate for your situation.
What is Nail Testing?
Nail testing involves analysing a sample of fingernail or toenail clippings to assess drug or alcohol use over time.
When drugs or alcohol are consumed, they are processed in the liver and transported through the blood and deposited into the nail. By analysing collected nail clippings, it is possible to gain insight into substance use or abuse during the period in which the nail was formed.
Nail testing provides longer-term information and is commonly used to complement scalp or body hair testing, or as an alternative where hair samples are unavailable, unsuitable or insufficient for analysis.
What Can Nail Testing Show?
Nail testing can provide:
Evidence of drug use over an extended period
Indication of excessive or non-excessive alcohol consumption
Objective information to support assessment of longer-term or repeated substance use
Results are interpreted carefully and objectively, based on the balance of probabilities, which is the standard of proof required for family/civil courts. Nail testing is not intended to assess very recent use and should be considered alongside the context and requirements of the case.
Nail Testing Compared to Other Methods
Different testing methods provide different types of information:
Nail testing
offers a longer detection window, similar to hair strand testing
Hair testing
is often the first option where suitable samples are available
Blood testing (PEth)
focuses on recent alcohol consumption
Urine testing
provides short-term screening, typically over days
The most appropriate test will depend on the questions being asked and the timeframe under consideration. Our team can help explain which testing method may be most suitable based on your circumstances.
How Nail Testing Works
1.
Initial Enquiry
Speak with the Certis BioLabs team to discuss your requirements and the most suitable testing options.
2.
Test Feasibility
Our team confirms whether nail testing is suitable for the case. We can also arrange a payment plan that suits your needs.
3.
Sample Collection
Nail clippings are collected by trained, DBS-checked professionals following strict identification and chain-of-custody procedures.
4.
Laboratory Analysis
Samples are analysed by a UKAS-accredited laboratory partner using validated methods.
5.
Results and Reporting
Clear, court-compliant reports are issued, with expert interpretation available where required.
Sample Collection
All samples arranged by Certis BioLabs are collected under strict chain-of-custody procedures to maintain forensic accuracy and evidential integrity from collection through to reporting. Collections are carried out by trained professionals who understand the sensitivities of family law, safeguarding and court-directed testing, ensuring a discreet and respectful experience at every stage.
We offer flexible nationwide collection options and clear guidance so clients know what to expect before, during and after their appointment. Each sample is securely labelled, packaged and transported to our UKAS-accredited laboratory partner with full traceability maintained throughout.
Our team supports clients and professionals to ensure collection arrangements meet case and court requirements.
Professional sample collection carried out with discretion and care.
Nationwide collection through trained, approved professionals.
Flexible appointments at approved collection locations.
Strict chain-of-custody ensures full traceability from sample to report.
Secure handling and UKAS laboratory analysis for court-ready results.
Reporting Options
We provide clear, accurate and court-compliant reports suitable for legal, safeguarding and private use.
Standard Report:
Results for the substances tested, presented in a clear and structured format.
Extended Analysis:
Additional analysis may be included where required to provide further insight into patterns of substance use.
Expert Interpretation:
Results are supported by scientifically robust interpretation from experienced forensic toxicologists.
Our team will guide you through the most appropriate reporting approach based on your case requirements.
When is Nail Testing Used?
We provide nail testing to support legal, safeguarding and private cases. Each test is supported by expert interpretation and presented in a clear, court-compliant report format.
Safeguarding cases involving vulnerable individuals
Family law or court-directed cases
Cases where hair samples are unavailable
Matters requiring a longer detection window
Why choose Certis BioLabs
Quality is at the heart of our work. When you choose us, you will get:
Rapid three-five working day turnaround and full chain-of-custody to ensure forensic accuracy
UKAS-accredited laboratory testing with evidential integrity
A strong safeguarding focus, informed by decades of forensic casework
Comprehensive reporting that aligns with High Court and Family Court rules
Full panel reporting options if you want to be alerted to the presence of drugs that weren’t originally requested
Competitive pricing with clear, transparent cost options
An enhanced service can provide access to an extensive library for testing novel psychoactive substances
A dedicated case manager who will guide you from start to finish
What our customers say
FAQs: All You Need to Know
What is a nail drug test?
A nail drug test analyses fingernail or toenail clippings to assess drug use over an extended period.
Can nail testing detect alcohol use?
Yes. Nail testing can provide an indication of alcohol consumption patterns over time.
How far back can a nail test detect substances?
Nail testing typically reflects substance use over several months, depending on nail growth and sample length. Generally speaking, fingernails can cover a 4–10-month period, while toenails can cover a 4–12-month period.
Is nail testing court-approved?
Reports are prepared to court-compliant formats and are based on analysis carried out by a UKAS-accredited laboratory partner.
Are nail tests analysed in a UKAS-accredited laboratory?
Yes. All analytical testing is carried out by a UKAS-accredited laboratory partner.
Get in touch
Lets talk
Contact us now on 01235 633040 and email testing@certis-biolabs.co.uk to discuss how we can support your drug, alcohol or DNA testing needs
Call us: 01235 633040
Email: testing@certis-biolabs.co.uk
Certis BioLabs
Address: Aspect House, The Quadrangle, Grove Business Park, Wantage, Oxfordshire OX12 9FA