--- title: "Nail Drug Test: What It Screens For | AMH Nationwide" description: "Nail drug test what it screens includes specific substances based on panel size. Learn what drugs are detected. Call (877) 731-6362 for details." author: "AMH Nationwide" date: "2026-08-27" tags: ["nail drug test what it screens"] canonical: "https://amhnationwide.com/nail-drug-test-what-it-screens/" last_updated: "2026-08-27" --- # Nail Drug Test: What It Screens For | AMH Nationwide **By AMH Nationwide** | August 27, 2026 Nail drug test what it screens includes specific substances based on panel size. Learn what drugs are detected. Call (877) 731-6362 for details. --- Nail drug test what it screens depends on the selected panel, detecting substances like marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and PCP. Larger panels add more drugs such as benzodiazepines and barbiturates. This test provides a longer detection window than urine or hair tests. Call (877) 731-6362 to discuss your testing needs. OVERVIEW ## What substances does a nail drug test screen for? A nail drug test screens for various substances depending on the panel size chosen. Common drugs included in standard panels are marijuana (THC), cocaine, opiates (such as heroin and morphine), amphetamines, and phencyclidine (PCP). Larger panels can detect additional substances like benzodiazepines, barbiturates, methadone, and synthetic opioids. The test analyzes drug metabolites embedded in the keratin of fingernails or toenails, providing a [detection window](https://amhnationwide.com/hair-follicle-drug-test-detection-window/) of several months. This makes it useful for identifying long-term drug use rather than recent consumption. The exact substances screened are determined by the laboratory panel selected during the test order process. PANEL DETAILS ## How does the panel size affect what the nail drug test screens? The panel size directly determines the number and types of drugs detected in a nail drug test. Smaller panels may focus on the most common substances, while larger panels provide broader coverage including prescription and synthetic drugs. Choosing a 5-panel test typically includes marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and PCP. Expanding to a 10-panel or 12-panel test adds drugs such as benzodiazepines, barbiturates, methadone, oxycodone, and synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Clients select the panel size based on their specific screening needs. Because AMH routes testing through five national lab networks, the available panels and substances screened may vary slightly by lab but always cover the requested drugs. SPECIFIC SUBSTANCES ## Which specific drugs are commonly included in nail drug test panels? Common drugs screened in nail drug tests include: – Marijuana (THC) – Cocaine – Opiates, including heroin, morphine, and codeine – Amphetamines, including methamphetamine – Phencyclidine (PCP) Expanded panels may also detect: – Benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam, alprazolam) – Barbiturates – Methadone – Oxycodone and other prescription opioids – Synthetic opioids such as fentanyl The detection of these substances depends on the specific panel ordered and the laboratory performing the analysis. DETECTION WINDOW ## What is the detection window for substances in a nail drug test? A nail drug test can detect drug use over a longer period than [urine](https://amhnationwide.com/urine-drug-testing/) or oral fluid tests. Typically, it can identify drug metabolites deposited in the nail matrix up to 3 to 6 months prior to collection. This extended window is due to the slow growth of nails, which incorporate drug metabolites as they form. The test cannot reliably detect recent use within the past few days, making it suitable for monitoring longer-term drug use. Because the test analyzes keratinized tissue, it is less susceptible to adulteration or dilution compared to urine testing. ## Contact AMH for Nail Drug Test Panel Options To select the appropriate nail drug test panel for your needs and schedule testing, call (877) 731-6362 today. [Call (877) 731-6362](tel:+18777316362)[Contact Us](https://amhnationwide.com/contact-us/) ORDERING PROCESS ## How is the nail drug test ordered and collected? AMH provides the lab order for the nail drug test and directs the requester to a collection site within one of five national lab networks: [Quest Diagnostics](https://www.questdiagnostics.com/), [LabCorp](https://www.labcorp.com/), Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, and ExperTox. There is no option to order this test online directly. To initiate testing, call (877) 731-6362 to discuss requirements and arrange the lab order. During collection, a trained technician clips [fingernail](https://amhnationwide.com/nail-drug-test/) or toenail samples following strict chain-of-custody procedures to ensure test integrity. The samples are then sent to the laboratory for analysis. RESULTS AND REVIEW ## How are nail drug test results processed and reviewed? All non-negative nail drug test results undergo review by a certified Medical Review Officer (MRO) as part of standard processing. The MRO evaluates the findings, considers any legitimate medical explanations, and authorizes the final report. This review ensures accurate interpretation and reduces the risk of false positives. Laboratories use validated testing methods and confirmatory testing to ensure reliability. Reports are typically available within a few days after sample receipt, depending on the laboratory and panel complexity. AMH Reviewed & Maintained By AMH Nationwide Customer Service AMH Nationwide is BBB A+ accredited and routes every order through Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, or ExperTox, all of which use multiple lab certification agencies and standards such as [SAMHSA](https://www.samhsa.gov/workplace/drug-testing)-aligned laboratory protocols, the ANSI National Accreditation Board for forensic testing and calibration, the College of American Pathologists (CAP), and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA). Every non-negative screen is reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer as part of standard processing before a result is released, and chain-of-custody documentation is maintained on every collection. This page does not constitute medical or legal advice. **Last updated:** July 2026 You May Also Need [Nail Drug TestingNo head or body hair available? A 5-panel fingernail test covers a similar look-back window.Learn more →](https://amhnationwide.com/5-panel-fingernail-drug-test/)[ChildGuard: Environmental ExposureConcerned about a child or loved one? ChildGuard screens for exposure to drugs in their environment.Learn more →](https://amhnationwide.com/5-panel-hair-drug-test-environmental-exposure-childguard/)[Shorten the Detection WindowShortened options like 30 and 60 day hair panels are also available, useful when a urine test’s 1-3 day window is too short.Learn more →](https://amhnationwide.com/30-day-hair-drug-test/)[Hair ETG Alcohol TestAlso need alcohol testing? The hair ETG test screens for alcohol use, and can be added to the same collection.Learn more →](https://amhnationwide.com/etg-and-peth/) Frequently Asked Questions ## Common Questions A nail drug test typically cannot detect drug use within the past few days due to the slow growth of nails. It is designed to identify drug use over a longer period, usually 3 to 6 months prior to collection. Some expanded nail drug test panels include prescription medications such as benzodiazepines, barbiturates, methadone, and oxycodone. The specific drugs screened depend on the panel size chosen. No. DOT-regulated safety-sensitive testing requires federally certified urine testing under [49 CFR Part 40](https://www.transportation.gov/odapc/part40). Hair and nail testing are typically used for non-DOT roles. A trained technician collects the nail sample by clipping fingernails or toenails at an authorized collection site. The sample is then sent to the lab under chain-of-custody protocols. Yes, larger panel nail drug tests can detect synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, depending on the substances included in the selected panel. No. AMH does not offer online ordering. To arrange a nail drug test, call (877) 731-6362 to obtain the lab order and find a collection site. Sources • [SAMHSA – Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs](https://www.samhsa.gov/workplace/drug-testing) • [U.S. DOT – 49 CFR Part 40 – Procedures for Transportation Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Programs](https://www.transportation.gov/odapc/part40) • [CDC – National Center for Health Statistics – Drug Use FastStats](https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/drug-use.htm) • [Quest Diagnostics – Employer Solutions, Hair Testing Methodology](https://www.questdiagnostics.com/) • [LabCorp – Occupational Testing Services](https://www.labcorp.com/) ## Ready to get started? AMH Nationwide provides the lab order and arranges collection nationwide. Every non-negative result reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer. Call (877) 731-6362 or contact us. [Call (877) 731-6362](tel:+18777316362)[Contact Us](https://amhnationwide.com/contact-us/) --- **Need a drug, alcohol, HIV or STD test?** AMH Nationwide is a national lab testing agency operating since 2004, with more than 20,000 collection sites across the United States. Hair, urine, fingernail and blood testing, panels from 5 through 19, for individuals and employers. - Call: (877) 731-6377 - Find a collection site: https://amhnationwide.com/locations/ - Full page: https://amhnationwide.com/nail-drug-test-what-it-screens/