Typical window
Approximately 6–12 hours
Results
Usually 1 working day
Attendance
Walk-in after confirmation
What Does an Alcohol Blood Test Measure?
This laboratory test measures ethanol within venous blood.
The result reflects the blood alcohol level at collection.
It is most useful soon after suspected alcohol consumption.
It does not provide a long-term drinking history.
Who Is This Alcohol Blood Test For?
Recent Alcohol Testing
Measure ethanol present when the blood sample is collected.
Personal Testing
Obtain confidential laboratory testing with secure reporting.
Workplace Requirements
Suitable when an organisation specifically requests blood ethanol.
Legal or Compliance Testing
Use only when blood ethanol matches the stated requirement.
Confirm the exact test and reporting standard before ordering.
Alcohol Blood Test Detection Window
Blood ethanol usually has a short detection period.
The typical window is approximately six to twelve hours.
Timing varies with intake, food, metabolism and collection time.
A negative result cannot exclude alcohol consumed earlier.
Which Alcohol Test Do You Need?
Choose the test matching the required assessment period.
| Test |
Typical period |
Sample |
Common purpose |
| Blood alcohol |
Approximately 6–12 hours |
Blood |
Ethanol level at collection |
| Urine alcohol |
Around 24 hours |
Urine |
Very recent ethanol exposure |
| Urine EtG |
Approximately 24–72 hours |
Urine |
Recent exposure over a longer window |
|
CDT or PEth
|
Recent weeks |
Blood |
Longer-term alcohol assessment |
Detection periods vary with consumption, metabolism and collection timing.
What the Result Cannot Show
It cannot prove when alcohol was consumed.
It cannot calculate the number of drinks consumed.
It cannot confirm earlier drinking after ethanol has cleared.
It must never guide driving or safety-critical decisions.
How Your London Blood Test Works
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Order online. Enter the client’s details securely within your cart.
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Await confirmation. We send attendance instructions by text and email.
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Attend Patient Reception. Bring your original passport or driving licence.
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Provide your blood sample. A trained professional collects venous blood.
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Receive your result. We email the reviewed laboratory report securely.
Attend Patient Reception in Central London
Address
The Doctors Laboratory
76 Wimpole Street
London W1G 9RT
Opening Hours
Monday–Friday: 7am–7pm
Saturday: 7am–1pm
Sunday: 8am–11am
Attendance
Walk in during opening hours after receiving confirmation.
Bring original photo identification. Phone images and photocopies are unacceptable.
Results and Turnaround
Results are usually available within one working day.
Laboratory processing begins after receiving your blood sample.
A doctor reviews the report before secure email delivery.
Book early when working towards a formal deadline.
Why Choose Drug Test London?
Fast Turnaround
Results usually arrive within one working day.
Accredited Laboratory
Testing uses UKAS-accredited The Doctors Laboratory.
Doctor Review
A doctor reviews reports before secure delivery.
Established Service
We have streamlined private testing since 2015.
Alcohol Blood Test Questions
What does an alcohol blood test measure?
It measures ethanol within your blood at collection.
How long can blood alcohol be detected?
The typical detection period is approximately six to twelve hours.
Can this test confirm I am safe to drive?
No. Never use this result to make driving decisions.
Can it show drinking from several days ago?
No. Consider urine EtG, CDT or PEth for longer periods.
Do I need an appointment?
No. Walk in after receiving your attendance confirmation.
Do I need photo identification?
Yes. Bring an original passport or driving licence.
When will my result arrive?
Results are usually available within one working day.
How can I compare alcohol tests?
Read our guide to choosing an alcohol test.
Book Your Alcohol Blood Test Today
Order online and receive your London attendance confirmation.
Book Your Blood Test
