How to Use a Fingerprint Drug Test Cassette: A Simple 4-Step Walkthrough

Fingerprint drug testing offers several advantages over traditional workplace testing methods, such as urine and saliva tests. It is hygienic, non-invasive and easy to administer, making it suitable for all environments. A key advantage is the ease of conducting tests without special facilities or trained medical personnel. This flexibility makes fingerprint sweat testing ideal for random, baseline and pre-employment screening. The Intelligent Fingerprinting Testing Solution detects a wide range of drugs, including opiates, methamphetamine, cocaine and cannabis (THC).

Before testing, ensure that the donor has completed a consent form and that all legal and procedural requirements are met. Proper consent supports GDPR compliance and protects the integrity of your testing program.

This guide outlines four simple steps for using a fingerprint drug test cassette.

Step 1: Donor selects a cassette

Each cassette is compact, lightweight and individually sealed in a foil pouch, ensuring it is ready to use anywhere. Allow the donor to select the cassette to reinforce chain of custody protocols and enhance the legal defensibility of the test. Once the cassette is selected, the donor opens the pouch and places the cassette on a clean, flat surface to prepare the cassette for sampling.

Step 2: Sample collection

The administrator checks the donor's hands to ensure there are no obstructions, such as bandages or wounds. If necessary, use a different finger twice to ensure a total of 10 samples are collected. The donor does not need to wash their hands before collection.

The donor then places all ten fingertips on the sample pad for at least five seconds. The cassette collects sweat from the fingertips in a clean, non-invasive manner.

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 test method. Our Drug Screening test is optimized for daytime "fitness for duty" and has a detection window of 16-24 hours.

After collection, the donor slides the tamper-evident cover into place, which locks to protect the sample. This step maintains sample integrity and eliminates the need for intrusive supervision, embarrassing conversations, or gender-specific protocols.

Step 3: Activate the buffer clip

After securing the cover, the administrator can safely handle the cassette without affecting the results. On the Drug Screening Reader, select “Single Test”. When prompted by the reader, press the buffer clip to release the solution. This process prepares the sample for analysis.

The test uses lateral flow assay technology, where the buffer solution dissolves all traces of the fingerprint, ensuring that no personal information is stored or used for identification.

Step 4: Insert the cassette into the Drug Screening Reader

Insert the cassette into the reader face up. Then enter a unique reference ID for the donor and select "Start Test".

The reader acts as an impartial expert and interprets the results within 10 minutes. On-screen instructions guide the administrator through each step. When the results are displayed, print two copies if the result is negative, and three copies if the result is non-negative.

Step 5: (Optional) Laboratory Analysis

If a non-negative result occurs, complete a confirmation test using our Fingerprint Collection Kit for Laboratory Analysis. This kit forms part of the Intelligent Fingerprinting end-to-end testing solution and provides a reliable way to confirm results when detailed analysis is required. Barcodes are used for laboratory confirmation when necessary to protect personal information and maintain privacy standards.

Easier, safer drug testing in the workplace

Fingerprint drug testing makes workplace screening faster, safer and easier to conduct. The process is simple for administrators and can be performed anywhere without requiring special facilities. It removes administrative burden, reduces operational disruption and preserves employee dignity. Whether you are conducting pre-employment testing, random testing or baseline testing, the fingerprint cartridge and reader system provides a hygienic, reliable and legally compliant approach to workplace drug testing.

For more information or a review of how the system works, please contact us.