Accurate blood testing
Blood Testing (PEth) for Alcohol
Blood testing can be used to identify recent alcohol consumption, making it a valuable option where evidence is required within a defined and relatively short timeframe.
Certis BioLabs offers blood testing services, including PEth blood testing for alcohol, to support legal, safeguarding and personal cases where recent use needs to be evidenced clearly and reliably.
All analytical testing is carried out by our UKAS-accredited laboratory partner, ensuring results meet recognised quality and evidential standards.
Reports are prepared to court-compliant formats and are based on accredited laboratory analysis, with expert interpretation available where required. Our team provides clear guidance throughout the process, helping clients and professionals understand whether blood testing is the most appropriate option for their circumstances.
Contact our team to discuss whether blood testing is appropriate for your situation.
What is PEth Blood Testing?
Blood testing involves analysing a blood sample to detect substances or biological markers present in the bloodstream.
For alcohol testing, PEth (Phosphatidylethanol) is a direct and specific alcohol biomarker that forms only when alcohol is consumed. PEth testing is therefore used to identify and assess more recent alcohol intake in the 3-to-4-week period prior to sample collection, rather than long-term alcohol consumption.
PEth is widely recognised, including in extensive scientific literature, as a reliable indicator of recent alcohol consumption.
PEth Blood testing is most effective where recent use is relevant to the case, and it is often used alongside other testing methods to provide a clearer overall picture.
What Can a Blood Test Show?
Blood testing can provide objective information, including:
Evidence of recent alcohol consumption using PEth testing
Insight into recent consumption within a defined detection window
Results are interpreted carefully and objectively, taking into account relevant contextual information. Blood testing does not provide long-term history and is not intended to assess patterns over extended periods.
Blood Testing Compared to Other Methods
Different testing methods provide different types of information:
Blood testing (PEth)
focuses on recent alcohol consumption
Hair and nail testing
provide longer-term insight into use
Urine testing
offers short-term screening, typically over days
The most appropriate test will depend on the question being asked and the timeframe under consideration. Our team can help explain which testing method may be most suitable based on your circumstances.
How Blood Testing Works
1.
Initial Enquiry
Contact Certis BioLabs to discuss your testing requirements and circumstances.
2.
Test Confirmation
Our team confirms whether blood testing, including PEth testing, is appropriate for the case
3.
Sample Collection
Samples are collected by trained, DBS-checked professionals following strict identification and chain-of-custody procedures.
4.
Laboratory Analysis
All analysis is carried out by a UKAS-accredited laboratory partner using validated methods.
5.
Results and Reporting
Clear, court-compliant reports are issued, prepared by our expert team.
When Is Blood Testing Used?
Blood testing is commonly used in situations where recent consumption needs to be assessed, such as:
Family law or court-directed cases
Cases where shorter detection windows are required
Legal matters where recent alcohol or drug use is relevant
Safeguarding situations involving children or vulnerable individuals
The suitability of blood testing will depend on the context, timeframe and requirements of the case. Our team can advise on whether this method is appropriate.
Reporting Options
We offer flexible reporting options to suit different needs and budgets.
Standard Report:
Testing specific substances as requested by the client.
Compound Confirmation:
A detailed identification of substances detected within the sample. This option is available at an additional cost.
Compound Screening:
In addition to the specified substances, a free indication of how many other compounds are present in the sample.
Our customer service team will guide you through each option to help you select the most appropriate and cost-effective reporting level for your situation.
Who we support
We provide alcohol blood testing services, including PEth testing, for a range of legal, safeguarding and personal requirements. Each test is supported by expert interpretation and presented in a clear, court-compliant report format.
Our services are available to:
Family law solicitors and barristers
Local authorities and safeguarding teams
Employers and healthcare providers
Members of the public seeking accurate answers
Why choose Certis BioLabs
Quality is at the heart of our work. When you choose us, you will get:
Rapid three-five working day turnaround and full chain-of-custody to ensure forensic accuracy
UKAS-accredited laboratory testing with evidential integrity
A strong safeguarding focus, informed by decades of forensic casework
Comprehensive reporting that aligns with High Court and Family Court rules
Full panel reporting options if you want to be alerted to the presence of drugs that weren’t originally requested
Competitive pricing with clear, transparent cost options
An enhanced service can provide access to an extensive library for testing novel psychoactive substances
A dedicated case manager who will guide you from start to finish
What our customers say
FAQs: All You Need to Know
What is a PEth blood test?
A PEth blood test measures Phosphatidylethanol, a biomarker that forms in the blood following alcohol consumption and that is used to assess recent alcohol intake.
How far back can a blood test detect alcohol?
PEth blood testing typically reflects alcohol consumption over the 3 to 4 weeks prior to sample collection. This timeframe is based on how PEth is formed and persists in the bloodstream following alcohol intake. The precise detection window can vary depending on individual factors, including the level and frequency of alcohol consumption. PEth blood testing therefore provides insight into recent or ongoing alcohol consumption, rather than long-term historical consumption. Where appropriate, repeat PEth testing over time may be considered to support an assessment of ongoing alcohol consumption. The testing approach will always be guided by the specific questions being asked in the individual case, as well as the case’s wider context.
Can blood tests detect drugs?
Yes. Blood testing can be used to detect certain drugs present in the bloodstream around the time of use. However, Certis BioLabs does not provide blood testing for drugs as part of its services.
Are blood tests court-compliant?
Yes. Reports are prepared to court-compliant formats and are based on UKAS-accredited laboratory analysis.
Is blood testing carried out in a UKAS-accredited laboratory?
All analytical testing is carried out by our UKAS-accredited laboratory partner based in the UK.
Get in touch
Lets talk
Contact us now on 01235 633040 and email testing@certis-biolabs.co.uk to discuss how we can support your drug, alcohol or DNA testing needs
Call us: 01235 633040
Email: testing@certis-biolabs.co.uk
Certis BioLabs
Address: Aspect House, The Quadrangle, Grove Business Park, Wantage, Oxfordshire OX12 9FA