PEth Test (for alcohol misuse)

This is a blood PEth test used to check for alcohol misuse in the previous 3 - 4 weeks.

  PEth Test (Phosphatidylethanol)

• PEth test (Phosphatidylethanol) is the most accurate blood test to determine Alcohol Abuse for family courts, fitness to practice, clinical studies and treatment centers.

• Phosphatidylethanol (PEth) Testing provides a detection of alcohol abuse with 99% sensitivity (far higher than traditional blood testing methods)

• PEth testing is not affected by medications, illnesses, previous drinking habits, age or the health of the donor

• The result provides a detection period of up to 3-4 weeks Ideally combined with Hair or Nail testing

Proof of ID:

You should bring with you a valid photo ID such as a passport or driving license. No copies or mobile images are accepted. 

Results:

Results take 5-7 working days * and will be emailed to you. They include a doctor's explanation of the results. Please note that we do not give out results by telephone as this information is confidential and there is no way of identifying a caller.

* Indicative timings only. Actual result may be earlier or slightly later.

   Peth testing is often combined with a liver function blood test to check for any damage to the liver from excessive alcohol consumption.

  Details Behind PEth Testing

Phosphatidylethanol testing, known as PEth testing, is a highly reliable blood test allowing the detection of chronic excessive alcohol abuse over the previous 3-4 weeks. With a sensitivity and accuracy rate of over 99% it is being widely adopted as a replacement to CDT, LFT & MCV testing which offers up to a 77% sensitivity rate.

The traditional blood testing (CDT, LFT & MCV) are known as indirect & toxic effect biomarkers. There are many factors such as hepatitis, liver disease and health issues that can result in an individual having either a false positive or false negative result even when these markers are combined.

The reason is that the testing is looking at the cells and organs to determine if they are operating in a healthy way or have been damaged. Alcohol is one of the main causes for damage to occur but someone with a cold or on certain prescription medication can also end up with a positive (out of healthy range) reading.

In contrast PEth Testing is a “direct biomarker” which means that it is only formed after someone has consumed alcohol. It also stays in the blood stream, attaching to the red blood cell membrane. When PEth is detected you can be confident that this is as a result of alcohol having been consumed.

Period of Detection

The accepted detection period for PEth testing is up to three weeks however the (greater the exposure) larger the binge session(s) the longer the period of detection. Furthermore multiple binge sessions will also increase the period of detection.

In order to generate enough detectable PEth the individual must drink in a way that raises their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level. This is the same situation as with drink driving. Consuming small sips of alcohol does not raise the BAC levels.

Incidental Exposure

Research has indicated that a PEth test can differentiate between incidental exposure (such as hand sanitizer) and the intentional consumption of alcohol. Furthermore the level of alcohol required to be consumed to produce a positive reading is far higher than any level possible through incidental exposure.