Hair vs. Nail Drug Testing: What's the Difference?
Most people are familiar with urine drug testing. But what happens when someone needs a test designed to evaluate a longer history of possible drug use?
That's where hair and nail drug testing can become important.
Bluestar Diagnostics provides multiple specimen options for drug testing, including urine, hair and nail testing, at our North Texas locations.
Why Choose Hair Drug Testing?
Hair testing may be selected when the goal is to evaluate patterns of drug exposure over a longer period rather than primarily recent use.
A small hair sample is collected and sent for laboratory analysis. Because hair grows over time, testing an appropriate sample can provide a different historical perspective than a urine specimen.
Hair testing may be useful for certain:
- Employer testing situations
- Court or legal requirements
- Personal testing
- Monitoring programs
- Other situations requiring a longer look-back period
The appropriate test depends on the reason for testing and the requirements of the organization requesting it.
What Is Nail Drug Testing?
Nail testing uses fingernail or toenail clippings as the specimen.
Like hair, nails grow gradually and can retain evidence of exposure over time. This can make nail testing useful when a longer-term testing option is needed.
It can also provide an alternative when an adequate hair specimen cannot be collected.
Is Hair or Nail Testing Better?
Neither specimen is automatically "better." The appropriate choice depends on what you are trying to establish, the available specimen and any requirements established by an employer, court, attorney or other requesting organization.
If someone has specifically ordered a particular test, you should follow those instructions rather than substituting a different specimen type.
Does Bluestar Offer Hair and Nail Drug Testing?
Yes. Bluestar Diagnostics currently offers several laboratory-based hair and nail drug-testing options. Its current drug-testing menu includes both a 15-panel hair drug test and multiple nail drug-testing panels, in addition to DOT and urine testing.
Find Hair or Nail Drug Testing in Dallas & Plano
If you have been told that you need a hair or nail drug test—or you're unsure which type of test meets your requirement—contact Bluestar before your visit.
Our team can help you identify the appropriate collection based on the test that has been requested.