Why PEth blood and hair alcohol testing go hand in hand
By Ellie Rees, Marketing Communications Manager
Understanding detection periods for alcohol testing
Every family law case has its own complexities and nuances, which means each case will have different testing requirements. When it comes to alcohol testing, you will need to assess how far back you need the analysis to go and then make a decision on whether hair strand testing, blood alcohol testing, nail testing or an ongoing alcohol monitoring bracelet will best suit your client and the case.
Hair strand testing can provide a retrospective analysis for as far back as the hair allows as each cm of hair equates approximately to a month of analysis. Blood alcohol testing, for example PEth testing, provides a more recent picture of alcohol consumption, typically up to four weeks prior to collection. These two independent types of tests work well together as combined they can paint a picture of long term chronic excessive use but also provide evidence as to more recent consumption. Whilst each test can be used independently, combining them will provide stronger evidence in a donor’s alcohol consumption.
PEth blood testing
PEth is a direct biomarker found in red blood cell membranes and only formed after the consumption of alcohol, making it highly reliable in providing information regarding a donor’s recent usage.
At Lextox, we offer two forms of collection for PEth: venous and our brand new service, dried blood spot (DBS). The latter has been introduced to reduce refusal rates from needle-phobic donors as only a small pin prick to the finger is required for collection. This enhancement to our offering is simpler and quicker than venous collection, which means a more streamline and calmer collection for your donor, especially if they are needle phobic. Streamlining the service not only benefits the donor but also means you have more time to focus on other aspects of the case.
Regardless of how the sample is collected, the analysis is the same and the results issued by our UK expert, in a format that is accepted in courts across the country.
Hair alcohol testing
Lextox’s hair analysis for alcohol detects two types of markers; ethyl glucuronide (EtG) and ethyl palmitate (EtPa) ), which are ‘by-products’ created by the body in the presence of alcohol. Each cm of hair provides alcohol analysis for an approximate one month, so we can test for up to six months, as long as the length of the hair allows.
Sample collection involves cutting two small samples of hair as close to the scalp as possible. Using our trained collectors ensures this process is undertaken with as little cosmetic impact as possible, with samples being sent for analysis at our ISO 17025 UKAS Accredited Testing Laboratory (No. 7516), which is based in the UK.
A comprehensive overview
Any form of alcohol testing can be used to form part of a body of evidence for a family law case and must always be used in conjunction with other forms of evidence, such as clinical assessments and reviews.
However, instructing both hair alcohol and PEth blood testing means your case will have a more accurate picture of a donor’s usage. Hair analysis will provide an overview of consumption going back months, whereas PEth testing gives a clear view of recent use. And with the addition of dried blood spot testing to our services, collection is easier and quicker than ever. Both hair and PEth tests entirely complement each other.
If you have any questions on Lextox’s PEth or hair alcohol testing services, get in touch here.
Published 25/11/2024. All information correct at time of publication.