PEth alcohol testing
Court-admissible PEth alcohol testing, often used alongside hair alcohol testing, with nationwide sample collection locations across the UK.
PEth (Phosphatidylethanol) testing is a highly sensitive blood test that detects recent regular alcohol consumption, typically over the previous 2–4 weeks. It is commonly requested for family court proceedings, solicitor instructions, Social Services assessments and other legal matters where objective evidence of alcohol use is required.
When combined with a hair alcohol test, PEth testing provides a more complete picture of both recent and longer-term alcohol consumption. Our experienced team will guide you from booking through to receiving your laboratory report.
- Court-admissible laboratory reports
- Highly sensitive marker of recent regular alcohol consumption
- Usually performed alongside a hair alcohol test
- Nationwide sample collection locations and mobile services
- Results typically available within 3–5 working days after the sample reaches the laboratory
Speak to our team to arrange your PEth alcohol test.
Who is PEth alcohol testing for?
PEth alcohol testing is commonly requested where objective laboratory evidence of recent regular alcohol consumption is required, particularly for legal, family and safeguarding matters.
It is often arranged for:
- Family court proceedings
- Solicitor instructions
- Social Services assessments
- Private individuals requiring evidence of recent alcohol consumption
PEth testing is frequently carried out alongside a hair alcohol test to provide a more complete assessment of alcohol consumption over both the short and longer term.
How much does a PEth alcohol test cost?
- From £326
- Combined PEth and hair alcohol testing from £630
- Expert Witness Statement available (+£186)
- All prices include VAT
Results are typically available within 3–5 working days after the sample reaches the laboratory.
How PEth alcohol testing works
PEth alcohol testing measures Phosphatidylethanol (PEth), a direct biomarker that forms in the blood only after alcohol has been consumed. It is one of the most sensitive laboratory tests available for identifying recent regular alcohol consumption, typically over the previous 2–4 weeks.
Step 1 – Arrange your appointment
Contact our team to book your appointment at one of our nationwide sample collection locations or request a mobile collection service where appropriate.
Step 2 – Blood sample collection
A trained sample collector will obtain a small blood sample using a simple finger-prick collection under strict chain of custody procedures.
Step 3 – Laboratory analysis
Your sample is analysed by an accredited laboratory to measure PEth levels, providing objective evidence of recent regular alcohol consumption.
Step 4 – Receive your results
Your laboratory report is usually available within 3–5 working days after your sample reaches the laboratory.
Our experienced team will guide you through each stage of the process and explain your results.
What can a PEth alcohol test show?
PEth alcohol testing measures Phosphatidylethanol (PEth), a direct alcohol biomarker that forms only after alcohol has been consumed. Because PEth is only produced in the presence of alcohol, it provides objective laboratory evidence of recent regular alcohol consumption, typically over the previous 2–4 weeks.
PEth results are generally interpreted as follows:
- Less than 20 ng/mL – Consistent with abstinence or low alcohol consumption.
- 20–200 ng/mL – Indicates moderate alcohol consumption.
- More than 200 ng/mL – Indicates excessive alcohol consumption.
Understanding how PEth is formed, how long it remains detectable and why it is often recommended alongside a hair alcohol test can help you interpret your results with confidence.
Nationwide PEth alcohol testing appointments
We provide PEth alcohol testing appointments throughout the UK using our nationwide network of professional sample collection locations.
Appointments are available at convenient clinics across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Where appropriate, we can also arrange a mobile sample collection service, allowing a trained collector to attend your home, workplace or solicitor's office.
Every PEth blood sample is collected under strict chain of custody procedures before being sent to our accredited laboratory for analysis, ensuring your results are suitable for legal, family court and safeguarding purposes where required.
Our experienced Clinical Advisors can also help you choose whether a PEth alcohol test alone or a combined PEth and hair alcohol test is the most appropriate option for your circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a PEth alcohol test?
A PEth alcohol test is a laboratory blood test that measures Phosphatidylethanol (PEth), a direct biomarker that forms only after alcohol has been consumed. Unlike liver function tests, PEth provides objective evidence of recent regular alcohol consumption and is widely used for family court proceedings, solicitor instructions and safeguarding assessments.
Is a PEth alcohol test more accurate than a liver function test?
Yes. PEth is regarded as one of the most specific biomarkers for recent alcohol consumption because it is only produced after alcohol has been consumed. Liver function tests (LFTs) can be influenced by a range of medical conditions and medications, whereas PEth provides much more direct evidence of alcohol intake.
Who usually requests a PEth alcohol test?
PEth alcohol testing is commonly requested by:
- Family Courts
- Solicitors
- Social Services
- Cafcass
- Local Authorities
- Employers
- Private individuals requiring independent evidence of alcohol consumption
How long do PEth alcohol test results take?
Most PEth alcohol test results are available within 3–5 working days after your sample reaches our laboratory.
Is a PEth alcohol test accepted in court?
Yes. PEth alcohol testing is widely used in legal proceedings, including family court cases. When required, we can also arrange an Expert Witness Statement to accompany your laboratory report.
How far back can a PEth alcohol test detect alcohol?
A PEth alcohol test typically reflects alcohol consumption over the previous 2–4 weeks, although detectable levels may remain for up to around one month depending on an individual's drinking pattern and metabolism.
Should I have a PEth alcohol test and a hair alcohol test?
In many legal and family court cases, we recommend combining a PEth alcohol test with a hair alcohol test. PEth provides evidence of recent alcohol consumption over several weeks, while hair alcohol testing can demonstrate alcohol consumption over a longer period of up to six months. Together they provide a more comprehensive picture.
How is a PEth alcohol sample collected?
A trained sample collector obtains a small blood sample using a simple finger-prick collection method. The appointment usually takes only a few minutes and follows strict chain of custody procedures where required.
Can I book a PEth alcohol test anywhere in the UK?
Yes. We offer PEth alcohol testing through our nationwide network of sample collection locations across the UK. Mobile appointments may also be available where appropriate.
How much does a PEth alcohol test cost?
A standalone PEth alcohol test costs £326 including VAT. If you require longer-term evidence of alcohol consumption, we also offer discounted pricing when a PEth alcohol test is booked alongside a hair alcohol test.
Arrange your PEth alcohol test today
- Court-admissible laboratory testing
- Confidential, professional service
- Nationwide sample collection locations
Our experienced team will guide you through the booking process and arrange your PEth alcohol test at a convenient sample collection location anywhere in the UK.
Where appropriate, we can also advise whether your circumstances would benefit from a combined PEth and hair alcohol test, helping to provide both recent and longer-term evidence of alcohol consumption.
