Posts Tagged hair alcohol
Different Methods of Alcohol Testing
Posted by Drug Free in Alcohol Abuse, Drug Testing on February 18th, 2010
There are numerous methods for alcohol testing available but the most used and trusted are among these five: urine tests, blood alcohol tests, alcohol breathalyzer tests, saliva alcohol tests, and hair alcohol tests. Whether for job requirements or sobriety tests, these tests are among the most widely used methods worldwide.
Urine Tests
This test is able to detect alcohol ingestion mainly within a week or longer, depending on the frequency of the alcohol intake. Urine tests are highly reliable for results and can provide the most flexibility in testing for other substances such as drugs and nicotine.
Blood Alcohol Testing
Blood testing can accurately show the amount of alcohol that is present in the bloodstream at the time the sample was taken. This method of testing is the most accurate for testing for a person’s BAC (blood alcohol content) but it is one of the most expensive.
Saliva Alcohol Tests
This method of testing approximates the BAC through the saliva and can detect more recent drug use. The collection of sample is less invasive and can be conveniently done almost anywhere.
Breath Alcohol Testing
By estimating the person’s BAC by measuring the amount of alcohol in one’s breath, we can approximate the level of intoxication of a person. This test is widely used because of its mobility as you can take the breathalyzer anywhere.
Hair Alcohol Tests
Hair is able to absorb special markers called ethyl glucuronide (EtG) and fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs) which remain in the hair indefinitely as long as the person doesn’t shave or cut his hair. These markers are produced when alcohol is introduced into the bloodstream.


