Keratin, the first element of nails, can entice drug metabolites as they’re integrated throughout nail progress. Laboratory evaluation of nail clippings can detect these metabolites, offering a detection window considerably longer than that of urine or blood checks. Outcomes are usually reported in picograms per milligram (pg/mg), a unit of measurement indicating the focus of a selected substance inside the nail pattern. For instance, a results of 50 pg/mg for a selected substance signifies 50 picograms of that substance are current for each milligram of nail. This quantification permits for a extra exact evaluation of drug use historical past.
This methodology provides a number of benefits. Its wider detection window, usually extending again a number of months, offers a extra complete view of previous substance use in comparison with different strategies. The soundness of keratin additionally makes nail samples much less prone to adulteration or environmental degradation. This elevated reliability has led to wider adoption of nail evaluation in numerous settings, together with office drug testing, forensic investigations, and medical monitoring of prescribed drugs.
