0333 600 1300
info@alphabiolabs.com
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Why choose AlphaBiolabs for nail alcohol testing
- Rapid results from our UK laboratory
- Test for historic chronic and excessive alcohol consumption
- Can also be used to monitor abstinence
- User-friendly reports accepted in every UK family court
- ISO 17025 UKAS-accredited testing laboratory (No. 2773)
- Effective alternative when other sample types are not viable (e.g. hair)
- Amplified evidential power when used with other testing methods (blood, hair, breath, SCRAM CAM®)
- All pricing within Legal Aid Agency rates
- Our Price Promise – we will beat any like-for-like quote by a further 10%
- Expert advice and a dedicated Case Manager to fully manage your instruction
- Sample collections from any location within 24-48 hours of instruction
- FREE legally-instructed sample collections at our nationwide Walk-in Centres
Nail alcohol testing explained
- 1 Nail alcohol testing is ideal for circumstances where hair testing is not possible, such as where the donor has little or no hair, or for religious reasons.
- 2 It is also highly effective when used alongside other testing methods (blood, hair, breath testing or SCRAM CAM®) to provide a more comprehensive evidential picture.
- 3 A nail alcohol test works by analysing fingernail clippings or toenail clippings for the presence of ethyl glucuronide (EtG) – a specific, long-term biomarker of ethanol (the intoxicating agent in alcoholic drinks).
- 4 When a person consumes alcohol, it is broken down by the liver, and its metabolites (breakdown products) are released into the bloodstream. Biomarkers of EtG – a direct metabolite of alcohol –then become trapped within the keratin fibres of the nail.
- 5 Fingernail clippings offer an overview detection window of up to approximately 6 months, while toenail clippings provide an overview detection window of up to approximately 12 months. This is because fingernails and toenails grow at different rates.
Sample collection
- Either fingernail clippings OR toenail clippings can be used for testing, but not a mixture of both. This is because they grow at different rates, with fingernail clippings offering an overview of up to 6 months for chronic and excessive alcohol consumption and toenail clippings offering an overview of up to 12 months.
- If the nail is long (5mm or above), only one nail clipping is required. If the nails are short, a few nail clippings are collected from different fingers or toes.
- Any artificial nail applications including acrylics, gels, polish and nail extensions must be completely removed prior to the nail samples being collected. Please note that the use of removal solutions (e.g. nail polish remover, acetone) will not impact the results of the test.
