Hair alcohol testing in London

When to use the hair alcohol test

Hair alcohol testing is primarily used for legal purposes. For example, this can include proving abstinence from alcohol to a Family Court, or Social Services.

In addition, a court can also instruct for a blood alcohol test to be performed in conjunction with the hair alcohol test. This is to provide a more accurate analysis of an individual's alcohol intake.

Limitations using body hair

There are limitations for using body hair to test for alcohol. Growth rates differ from head hair. For example, the period shown by 1 cm of body hair is approximately 2 to 3 times longer than 1 cm of head hair. Also, we are also unable to analyse certain types of body hair, for example underarm hair.

Due to the complexity of using body hair for alcohol testing, we advise that you call us on 0800 988 7107 to speak to a Clinical Advisor for the latest advice and guidance.

Hair drug testing segmentation

We don’t recommend that the hair is segmented for alcohol use due to the way the alcohol markers incorporate into the hair strand, as they’re mainly deposited through sweat. It is recommended by the Society of Hair Testing that alcohol hair testing should be conducted as an overview of a 3-month or 6-month period. Segmentation may lead to false findings, causing an erroneous overestimation of alcohol consumption.
 

Use the link below to access more technical information regarding the hair alcohol test.

How to book an appointment for a hair alcohol test in London

To book a hair alcohol test in London, please call 0800 988 7107. You will be put through to a Clinical Account Manager who will help you find your nearest sample collection location near you. In addition, they will guide you through the booking and hair testing process and answer any technical questions you may have.

Important hair alcohol testing timeframes

According to the Society of Hair Testing, hair alcohol testing should be conducted as an overview of a 3 month or 6 month period. But this does depend on the length of hair that the sample donor has available, and the condition of the hair. 1 cm of head hair will show approximately one month of use.
 

In addition, we must take into consideration the time it takes for alcohol to move from the blood to the hair. On average, it takes alcohol 7 to 10 days to break down in the body and move into the hair strand.

The costs of hair alcohol testing in London

The cost of a hair alcohol test depends on the combination of analysis you require. For example, for both an FAEE and EtG analysis, the cost is from £510. However, if you require a more comprehensive overview of alcohol consumption, a blood alcohol test can be performed in combination with the above for a total cost of £680.

Prices inclusive of VAT

Hair alcohol testing sample collection

At the sample collection appointment, a certified collection officer will guide you through the test documentation, obtain and verify your ID, and collect your hair sample. All of which is performed under strict chain of custody policies and procedures, to ensure sample integrity and an audit trail. This is critical to being able to use the laboratory results for legal purposes.

Head hair is collected using small scissors and a scalp protector. As a result, this ensures we collect the correct length, sufficient weight, and the required orientation of the head hair sample for the analysis requested. There is an optional to also collect a 'B' sample for additional testing if required.

However, body hair is not cut in the same way as head hair and is collected in a foil using either an electric or disposable shaver.

Regardless of the hair collected, you will be asked to sign consent to have your samples collected and analysed by the laboratory for your hair alcohol test.

Finally, your sample is secured using tamper-proof measures, and transported securely for processing.