Hair EtG Testing – Long‑Term Alcohol Detection

Hair EtG testing provides a reliable and long‑term assessment of alcohol consumption, making it ideal for legal cases, workplace testing, family courts, rehabilitation monitoring, and personal reassurance. By analysing a small sample of hair, this test detects alcohol metabolites deposited over several months, offering a clearer picture of drinking behaviour than short‑window tests such as breath or urine.

The test is available for $309, including full laboratory analysis and a clear, easy‑to‑understand results report. Turnaround time is from receipt of the samples at the laboratory.

What Is Hair EtG Testing?

When the body processes alcohol, it produces a direct metabolite called Ethyl Glucuronide (EtG). This metabolite becomes incorporated into the hair shaft as it grows. Because hair grows slowly, EtG remains detectable for months, making hair analysis one of the most reliable methods for assessing patterns of alcohol use.

The laboratory notes that the Hair EtG test “detects metabolites deposited from alcohol use over the last several months” and is conducted using LC/MS/MS screening and confirmation, the gold standard in forensic toxicology.

The test helps distinguish between abstinence, social drinking, and excessive alcohol use, following internationally recognised interpretation guidelines. Results are available within 5 working days from receipt of samples at the laboratory.

Detection Window and Sample Requirements

Hair EtG testing offers a long retrospective window, making it particularly valuable for cases where historical alcohol use needs to be assessed.

• Detection period: A 1.5″ (3.81 cm) hair sample provides approximately 3 months of alcohol use history.
• Sample size (standalone test): 90 to 120 strands of head hair, at least 1.5″ long.
• Sample size (add on test): An additional 50 strands if EtG is added to another hair panel.
• Turnaround time: 3 to 6 working days from laboratory receipt.
• Testing method: LC/MS/MS screen and confirmation.
• Cut off level: 5 pg/mg.

This makes Hair EtG testing a powerful tool for identifying consistent drinking patterns rather than isolated events.

Understanding Your Hair Alcohol Testing Results

Hair EtG results are interpreted using international guidelines, including those from the Society of Hair Testing (SoHT). The laboratory notes that these guidelines “provide ranges that may allow clients to differentiate between different alcohol usage levels.”

Data from the 2019 SoHT consensus statement.

A negative result does not always confirm abstinence; it may also reflect low level drinking below the detection threshold. The laboratory also highlights that while hair can be segmented to assess trends over time, “the SoHT guidelines urge caution when interpreting these results.”

Why Choose Hair EtG Testing?

Hair EtG testing offers several advantages over other alcohol tests:

• Long detection window, captures alcohol use over months, not days.
• Difficult to evade, hair samples are stable and resistant to short term abstinence strategies.
• Highly accurate, LC/MS/MS confirmation ensures reliable, court defensible results.
• Ideal for legal and professional settings, widely used in child custody cases, workplace testing, and rehabilitation monitoring.
• Clear interpretation ranges based on internationally recognised SoHT guidelines.

Benefits of the Laboratory’s Testing Process

The laboratory provides several advantages that strengthen the reliability and usability of Hair EtG testing:

• Highest level of forensic credentials for legal defensibility.
• Decades of experience in hair toxicology.
• Cost effective testing with rapid turnaround.
• Ability to run EtG independently or alongside standard drug panels.
• Full support through an online Custody and Control Form system.

Other Drug Tests Available

In addition to Hair EtG testing, the company also offers a comprehensive range of drug testing services designed to meet the needs of workplaces, legal professionals, parents, and individuals. These include Hair Drug Testing.  All tests are processed by an accredited laboratory and follow strict forensic standards to ensure accuracy, reliability, and legal defensibility.

Order Your Hair Alcohol Test

This test provides a clear, reliable, and court defensible assessment of alcohol use over the past three months. At $309 it offers exceptional value for individuals, families, employers, and legal professionals who require accurate and trustworthy results.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the Hair EtG test cost?
The Hair EtG test costs $309 which includes sample processing, full laboratory analysis, and a detailed results report.

How far back can a Hair EtG test detect alcohol use?
A standard 1.5″ (3.81 cm) hair sample provides approximately three months of detection, reflecting long term drinking patterns.

Can I take the test if my hair is shorter than 1.5 inches?
Shorter samples can sometimes be analysed, but the detection window will be reduced. Interpretation should be approached with caution due to the shorter timeframe.

Does a negative result always mean abstinence?
Not always. A negative result may indicate abstinence, but it can also reflect low level drinking below the 5 pg/mg cut off.

Is Hair EtG testing suitable for legal or court cases?
Yes. The test is performed to full forensic standards and is suitable for legal proceedings, workplace compliance, family court cases, and rehabilitation monitoring.