Alcohol Tests

Different laboratory tests are available for the control of alcohol abstinence or to monitor alcohol consumption. Traditionally blood alcohol concentration, liver enzymes (AST, ALT, GGT) and CDT (carbohydrate-deficient transferrin) have been used. Elevated values can provide evidence for alcohol consumption behaviour. Ethylglucuronide is a direct metabolite of alcohol (ethanol) and can be detected in blood, urine and hair.
The most suitable laboratory test for alcohol depends on the context (accident, control of abstinence, medical-psychological assessment, etc). As a forensic toxicological laboratory we perform all the above analyses.

Further information on relevant topics

MPA Fitness to Drive

In most industrial countries if a driver loses his driving license as a result of drug or alcohol offense he has to prove abstinence for several months up to one year. The exact conditions of drug testing in urine or hair are different from country to country and depend on the individual situation.

Ethylglucuronide in Urine

Ethylglucuronide (EtG) is produced in the liver and is a direct metabolite of the alcohol consumed. It is progressively eliminated in urine and depending on the amount of alcohol taken ethylglucuronide can be detected for 12-48 hrs. EtG in urine is a short-term marker of alcohol consumption and can be used to demonstrate abstinence during the last 1 to 2 days.

Ethylglucuronide in Hair

The major part of ethylglucuronide (EtG) produced in the liver as a metabolite of alcohol is eliminated in urine. A small fraction is incorporated into the hair matrix. That way hair samples can be analyzed for EtG.

Blood Alcohol

Blood alcohol (BAC) is the standard test following a positive breathanalyser test in roadside testing and in suspicion testing at workplace. As a forensic laboratory we measure the alcohol in compliance with the high standards of forensic toxicology so that the results can be used without restrictions in legal proceedings.