Hair follicle test for alcohol
Hair Follicle Test for Alcohol: Understanding Long-Term Detection Benefits
A hair follicle test for alcohol detects alcohol metabolites embedded in hair strands, providing a reliable indication of long-term alcohol consumption. This test is used by employers, courts, and probation agencies to monitor alcohol use over weeks to months. Samples are processed through five national lab networks with results reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer. Call (877) 731-6362.
What is a hair follicle test for alcohol?
A hair follicle test for alcohol is a laboratory analysis that detects ethyl glucuronide (EtG) and fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs), which are metabolites formed when the body processes alcohol. These metabolites become incorporated into the hair shaft and can be detected for up to 90 days or longer, depending on hair length.
Unlike urine or breath alcohol tests that detect recent drinking, the alcohol hair test can identify chronic or repeated alcohol use over an extended period. This makes it useful for monitoring abstinence or compliance in workplace, legal, or treatment settings.
Does alcohol show up on a hair follicle test?
Yes, alcohol consumption can show up on a hair follicle test through the presence of EtG and FAEEs metabolites in the hair. The test does not detect ethanol itself but these stable metabolites, which indicate consumption.
However, the hair follicle test for alcohol is designed to detect patterns of use rather than single, occasional drinks. It requires a minimum amount of metabolite presence to be considered positive, reducing false positives from incidental exposure such as hand sanitizer or environmental alcohol.
How is a hair follicle test for alcohol collected and processed?
Collection involves cutting a small sample of hair close to the scalp, typically from the crown of the head. The sample size and length correspond to the detection window, generally about 1.5 inches representing roughly 90 days of growth.
AMH Nationwide directs all test requests to one of five national lab networks: Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, and ExperTox. No online orders are available. A certified Medical Review Officer reviews every non-negative result as part of standard processing.
What do hair follicle test results levels chart for alcohol look like?
Results are reported based on the concentration of EtG and FAEEs detected in the hair sample. Laboratories use cutoff levels established by scientific and regulatory bodies to determine positive or negative results.
Typical cutoff values for EtG in hair range around 7 pg/mg (picograms per milligram), but these may vary by lab and test panel. A positive result indicates repeated or chronic alcohol use rather than a one-time drink.
| Metabolite | Typical Cutoff Level |
|---|---|
| Ethyl glucuronide (EtG) | Approximately 7 pg/mg |
| Fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs) | Varies by lab, generally low pg/mg range |
Schedule a Hair Follicle Test for Alcohol
To arrange a hair follicle test for alcohol, contact AMH Nationwide at (877) 731-6362. We provide lab orders and direct you to a nearby collection site from our nationwide network of accredited labs.
Can a hair follicle test detect alcohol use reliably?
Yes, the hair follicle test for alcohol is a reliable method for detecting chronic alcohol consumption over weeks to months. It is less effective for detecting single instances of drinking or very recent alcohol use.
External factors such as hair treatments or environmental exposure have limited impact on metabolite levels. The test is not federally mandated for safety-sensitive DOT roles; DOT requires urine testing under 49 CFR Part 40, while hair testing is used mainly for non-DOT positions.
Who orders hair follicle tests for alcohol and how?
Employers, courts, probation officers, and treatment programs commonly order hair follicle tests for alcohol to monitor abstinence or compliance. Individuals may also request the test for personal monitoring.
AMH Nationwide provides the lab order and directs the requester to a nearby collection site from over 20,000 locations nationwide. There is no online ordering. To arrange testing or learn about pricing, call (877) 731-6362.
How does a hair follicle test for alcohol compare to other alcohol tests?
Hair follicle tests detect alcohol metabolites over a long detection window, unlike breath, blood, or urine tests that detect recent use within hours or days.
Urine EtG tests detect alcohol use within about 80 hours but are more susceptible to incidental exposure. Breath and blood tests measure ethanol directly but only detect current intoxication or very recent drinking.
Hair tests offer a longer-term view, making them suitable for monitoring abstinence or habitual use.
| Test Type | Detection Window | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Hair Follicle Test | Up to 90 days | Long-term alcohol use monitoring |
| Urine EtG Test | Up to 80 hours | Recent alcohol use detection |
| Breath/Blood Test | Hours | Current intoxication detection |
Common Questions
No, the hair follicle test does not detect alcohol itself but identifies metabolites such as ethyl glucuronide (EtG) and fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs) that form after the body processes alcohol.
Typically, hair follicle tests detect repeated or chronic alcohol use rather than a single drink. Occasional or very light drinking may not produce metabolite levels above the test cutoff.
Alcohol metabolites can be detected in hair samples for up to 90 days or longer, depending on hair length and growth rate, providing a long detection window compared to other tests.
Hair treatments may slightly impact metabolite concentrations but do not reliably prevent detection. Laboratories account for such factors during analysis.
No, DOT regulations require federally certified urine testing under 49 CFR Part 40 for safety-sensitive positions. Hair follicle tests are used mainly for non-DOT roles.
Call (877) 731-6362 to receive a lab order and be directed to a collection site near you. AMH Nationwide does not offer online ordering.
Ready to get started?
AMH Nationwide provides the lab order and arranges collection nationwide. Every non-negative result reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer. Call (877) 731-6362 or contact us.