Frequently Asked Questions
How does fingerprint drug testing work?
The Intelligent Fingerprinting Drug Screening System is an on-the-spot, 10-minute test that analyses fingerprint sweat to screen for recent drug use.
The system consists of the single-use, tamper-evident Intelligent Fingerprinting Drug Screening Cartridge and the Intelligent Fingerprinting Drug Screening Reader for analysis.
The Cartridge uses lateral flow assay technology and fluorescence-labelled antibodies to selectively detect specific drugs or their metabolites in sweat collected from the fingertips. The portable Reader is a highly sensitive, robust, and effective fluorescence measurement instrument used to read the Cartridge, providing a negative or non-negative screening test result for each drug within minutes.
Is fingerprint drug testing as accurate as urine or saliva drug testing?
Sweat drug screening is considered highly accurate and has performance characteristics comparable to saliva or urine.
How quick is the screening process?
Sample collection takes approximately one minute, and on-screen results are displayed in approximately ten minutes if you conduct a single test.
When batch testing is enabled, six tests can be performed concurrently, reducing the time per test to approximately three minutes.
Which drugs can the Intelligent Fingerprinting Drug Testing Solution detect?
Point-Of-Care Screening Test
The Intelligent Fingerprinting Drug Testing Solution can detect a wide range of drugs, including opiates, methamphetamine, cocaine, cannabis (THC), and more. The specific drugs detectable depend on the testing panel of your Cartridge.
Confirmatory Analysis
Is there a laboratory confirmation service?
Yes, non-negative screening test results may be verified using our back-to-lab confirmation service, provided by an independent, accredited laboratory. Our Laboratory Analysis Kit is used to collect and return two sets of fingerprint sweat samples for certified, independent laboratory testing.
How long do drugs remain detectable in sweat?
The detection window for drugs in sweat can vary depending on factors such as the drug’s half-life, the individual’s metabolism, and the specific testing method.
Our system tests for “fitness for duty” on the day and has a detection window of approximately 16-24 hours.
Are fingerprints collected during the sample collection process?
The Intelligent Fingerprinting Drug Screening Test analyses sweat from fingertips without capturing fingerprints or biometric data, ensuring it cannot be used for identification. The test uses lateral flow assay technology, in which a buffer solution dissolves any trace of the fingerprint.
Sample collectors follow GDPR compliance to protect donor anonymity, and barcodes are used for laboratory confirmation when needed. This process safeguards personal information and maintains privacy standards.
Can fingerprint drug screening be used for post-accident or reasonable suspicion testing?
Yes, fingerprint sweat screening is suitable for post-accident and reasonable suspicion testing, as it can provide insights into recent drug use within approximately 16-24 hours of testing.
How is the confidentiality of screening results and data handled?
No details of the donor’s fingertips are captured during the drug screening process, and therefore, they cannot be used for identity purposes. This ensures the protection of personal information and upholds privacy standards throughout the drug screening procedure.
Utilising a donor ID reference complies with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). When additional samples are required for laboratory confirmation, barcodes maintain the donor’s anonymity.
Testing and record-keeping processes comply with applicable privacy legislation. Results from laboratory confirmation are emailed directly by our partner laboratory to the nominated contact at your organisation with a unique password to download the results.
Can external/environmental factors affect fingerprint drug screening results?
Studies carried out by Intelligent Fingerprinting in conjunction with the University of Surrey showed that the risk of background environmental contamination, such as touching doorknobs or banknotes, has minimal impact on the test.
The handwashing regime for the confirmation process has been validated and shown to remove traces of drugs from environmental cross-contamination.
What is the shelf life of the drug testing kits?
The shelf life of an Intelligent Fingerprinting Drug Screening Cartridge is two years from the date of manufacture.
Can a demonstration of the drug screening solution be provided?
Yes, we offer in-person and virtual demonstrations. Complete the form on this page to request a demonstration.
What type of support or training is offered to screening administrators?
Intelligent Fingerprinting offers comprehensive training in the application and collection of specimens, with virtual and in-person options available.
The training and certification for collecting sweat specimens will allow nominated personnel to administer sweat drug screening for your organisation.