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Nail drug and alcohol testing

Nail testing for drugs, substances of abuse and alcohol

Lextox are pleased to offer nail testing as an alternative solution to hair analysis when scalp or body hair is unable to be collected, ensuring that you are covered for all of your drug and alcohol testing needs.

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Why Lextox?

An overview analysis of up to approximately six months for fingernails and 12-18 months for toenails.

Direct contact with our Lextox experts, with over 100 years’ combined experience.

Competitive pricing in accordance with LAA codified rates.

Dedicated client managers who will manage your case from start to finish.

Nail testing explained


Nails are made up of the same biological material as hair (keratin) and when drugs or alcohol are consumed, they enter the blood stream and incorporate into the nail.

We can detect the standard 17 drug panel we test for in hair, excluding NPS, spice, steroids and anti-epileptics. The alcohol marker EtG can also be tested in nail samples, alongside our recommended blood alcohol tests.

Due to the way nails grow and the available nail that can be collected, the analysis can only be undertaken on an overview basis. A fingernail clipping can cover up to approximately six months of substance use history, whereas a toenail can cover up to 12-18 months use.

Analysis carried out in partnership with a UK laboratory

Please ensure that your client is not diagnosed with peripheral arterial disease or diabetes for toenail collection.

Please click on the drop-down below to view the full range of drugs we can test for:

Lextox drug detection list
DrugClassDescription
Antidepressants Used to treat depression and anxiety. A hair drug test for the antidepressants drug group includes fluoxetine (Prozac), trazadone and clozapine.
BenzodiazepinesCPrescribed to reduce anxiety, our hair strand test is able to detect desmethyldiazepam, diazepam (Valium), oxazepam, temazepam, nitrazepam and flunitrazepam (Rohypnol).
BuprenorphineBBuprenorphine (Subutex) is used in the treatment of heroin addiction. A synthetic opiate, it is commonly prescribed in a tablet form, however, can be crushed to be injected or inhaled.
CannabisBA naturally occurring drug made from parts of the cannabis plant. The main active compound is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Our test for cannabis looks for THC as well as two metabolites: 11 Nor-9-carboxy-delta-9-THC and 11-Hydroxy-delta-9-THC.
CathinoneCCathinone (Khat), the active ingredient of the Khat plant, is a stimulant with similar effects to amphetamine. Long term use may cause insomnia, anorexia, anxiety, depression and paranoia.
Cocaine (incl. Crack Cocaine)AObtained from the leaves of the coca plant, cocaine is a stimulant drug of the central nervous system. High doses can cause respiratory or heart failure. Our hair test for cocaine will also look for Benzoylecgonine, AEME and Cocaethylene.
Ecstasy (MDMA)AEcstasy is a white crystalline powder known to chemists as MDMA; most commonly sold in a tablet form. Side effects can include paranoia and psychotic states. Our hair strand test looks for MDMA as well as its metabolite MDA, which is used to show direct usage.
FentanylAFentanyl is a synthetic opioid which mimics the body’s natural painkillers, blocking pain messages to the brain. A psychoactive drug, covered by the 2016 Psychoactive Substances Act, means it’s illegal to give away or sell.
KetamineBKetamine is a strong anaesthetic drug used during operations on humans and animals. If high enough doses are taken, the aesthetic properties of Ketamine can come into effect causing unconsciousness or even death.
LSDAA hallucinogenic drug derived from the fungus ergot, LSD is often in a liquid form that is dropped onto paper sheets or sugar cubes. The effects are dose dependent, can last up to 12 hours and the user will not know how strong it is until it is taken.
Mephedrone (M-Cat)BMephedrone (4-methylmethcathinone) is derived from cathinone (the same chemical found in the plant Khat). It can cause anxiety, paranoia and risk of over stimulating the heart.
MethadoneAA synthetic opiate used medically in the treatment of heroin dependence. Our hair drug test for methadone also includes its metabolite EDDP.
Methamphetamine (incl. Amphetamine)BMethamphetamine (crystal meth) is a stimulant of the central nervous system with a high potential for misuse and dependence. It is a synthetic drug, chemically similar to amphetamine (speed). Amphetamine is a stimulant drug that increases alertness, concentration and the energy of the user.
Opiates (incl. Heroin)AOpiates are a group of drugs that contain constituents derived from the opium poppy plant. A hair test for the opiates drug group will look for 6-MAM (a heroin specific metabolite used to show heroin use), morphine, codeine and dihydrocodeine (found in over the counter pain relief remedies).
PethidineAPethidine is a synthetic substance, which is more sedative, has a more rapid onset and a shorter duration of action than morphine.
TramadolCTramadol is a prescribed synthetic drug that is used in the treatment of moderate to severe pain relief.
Zolpidem (hypnotics)CUsed to promote sleep and aid in the treatment of insomnia. The drug group includes zolpidem. They are not a benzodiazepine, however, act on the same areas of the brain.

Click here to download our drug list as a PDF