Can The Use Of Hand Sanitiser Affect Alcohol Results? - Lextox

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In response to the COVID-19/coronavirus pandemic, many of our normal hygiene practices have changed dramatically. We understand that undergoing hair drug and alcohol testing can be unnerving at any time but we want to provide a little reassurance on the use of hand sanitisers. The use of hand sanitisers, even ones that contain alcohol, will not affect or give rise to positive results here at Lextox.

Lextox test for two alcohol markers ethyl glucuronide (EtG) and ethyl palmitate (EtPA). EtG is formed within the body in the liver, as such this is a very specific marker. While EtPa can be elevated by the use of products containing alcohol, as long as the product is used as per the manufactures guideline i.e. on the hand and not directly applied to the hair or consumed, then the use of hand sanitiser, even excessively will not affect your client’s alcohol test.

Similarly, the use of hand sanitisers will not affect blood tests undertaken either as again, this product is not consumed.

To instruct us for alcohol testing fill in an online quotation form or email us via [email protected].

Published 27/07/20 – All information correct at time of publication

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News & Blog

• Navigating hair drug and alcohol testing in family law: What local authorities need to know. 11 November 2025
• Simplifying hair drug and alcohol testing: How Lextox supports family law solicitors 9 October 2025
• Case study: How drug abstinence monitoring helped keep a family together 17 September 2025
• How prenatal paternity DNA testing can protect a child 5 March 2025

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The drugs we test for

Drug	Class	Description
Antidepressants	Used to treat depression and anxiety. A hair drug test for the antidepressants drug group includes fluoxetine (Prozac), trazadone and clozapine.
Anti-Epileptics (incl. Pregablin and Gabapentin)	Available in capsule, tablet or liquid form. Both drugs are used to treat seizures and nerve pain. Pregablin can also be used to treat anxiety.
Benzodiazepines	C	Prescribed to reduce anxiety, our hair strand test is able to detect desmethyldiazepam, diazepam (Valium), oxazepam, temazepam, nitrazepam and flunitrazepam (Rohypnol).
Buprenorphine	B	Buprenorphine (Subutex) is used in the treatment of heroin addiction. A synthetic opiate, it is commonly prescribed in a tablet form, however, can be crushed to be injected or inhaled.
Cannabis	B	A naturally occurring drug made from parts of the cannabis plant.
Cathinone	C	Cathinone (Khat), the active ingredient of the Khat plant, is a stimulant with similar effects to amphetamine. Long term use may cause insomnia, anorexia, anxiety, depression and paranoia.
Cocaine (incl. Crack Cocaine)	A	Obtained from the leaves of the coca plant, cocaine is a stimulant drug of the central nervous system. High doses can cause respiratory or heart failure. Our hair test for cocaine will also look for Benzoylecgonine, AEME and Cocaethylene.
Ecstasy (MDMA)	A	Ecstasy is a white crystalline powder known to chemists as MDMA; most commonly sold in a tablet form. Side effects can include paranoia and psychotic states. Our hair strand test looks for MDMA as well as its metabolite MDA, which is used to show direct usage.
Fentanyl	A	Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid which mimics the body’s natural painkillers, blocking pain messages to the brain. A psychoactive drug, covered by the 2016 Psychoactive Substances Act, means it’s illegal to give away or sell.
Ketamine	A	Ketamine is a strong anaesthetic drug used during operations on humans and animals. If high enough doses are taken, the aesthetic properties of Ketamine can come into effect causing unconsciousness or even death.
LSD	A	A hallucinogenic drug derived from the fungus ergot, LSD is often in a liquid form that is dropped onto paper sheets or sugar cubes. The effects are dose dependent, can last up to 12 hours and the user will not know how strong it is until it is taken.
Mephedrone (M-Cat)	B	Mephedrone (4-methylmethcathinone) is derived from cathinone (the same chemical found in the plant Khat). It can cause anxiety, paranoia and risk of over stimulating the heart.
Methadone	A	A synthetic opiate used medically in the treatment of heroin dependence. Our hair drug test for methadone also includes its metabolite EDDP.
Methamphetamine (incl. Amphetamine)	B	Methamphetamine (crystal meth) is a stimulant of the central nervous system with a high potential for misuse and dependence. It is a synthetic drug, chemically similar to amphetamine (speed). Amphetamine is a stimulant drug that increases alertness, concentration and the energy of the user.
Opiates (incl. Heroin)	A	Opiates are a group of drugs that contain constituents derived from the opium poppy plant. A hair test for the opiates drug group will look for 6-MAM (a heroin specific metabolite used to show heroin use), morphine, codeine and dihydrocodeine (found in over the counter pain relief remedies).
Pethidine	A	Pethidine is a synthetic substance, which is more sedative, has a more rapid onset and a shorter duration of action than morphine.
Psychoactive substances (‘legal highs’)	Various	Taken for their euphoric effects, these drugs are often sold as ‘research chemicals’, ‘bath salts’ or ‘not for human consumption’. Controlled under the Psychoactive Substances Act, we can detect 38 different compounds that may be present in Psychoactive Substances.
Steroids	C	Steroids are drugs that mimic certain natural hormones in the body that regulate and control how the body works and develops. There are two main groups of natural steroids – anabolic steroids and corticosteroids. Anabolic steroids are available as tablets or as a liquid for injection.
Spice (synthetic cannabinoids)	Various	Spice is a group of synthetic cannabis compounds which mimic the effects of cannabis. These compounds do not produce positive results for drugs and metabolites within the Lextox cannabis drug group. We currently test for nine spice compounds.
Tramadol	C	Tramadol is a prescribed synthetic drug that is used in the treatment of moderate to severe pain relief.
Zolpidem (hypnotics)	C	Used to promote sleep and aid in the treatment of insomnia. The drug group includes zolpidem. They are not a benzodiazepine, however, act on the same areas of the brain.

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Month by month or overview analysis

Depending on your needs, our hair strand test analysis can provide a month-by-month analysis or overview analysis. The segmental analysis can determine trends such as an increase or decrease in use or help to highlight low level instances.

An overview analysis will cover a whole section and identify drug use within that growth period. For example, a three cm section of hair can show usage over a three-month period.

If using a body hair sample for drug testing, it is unsuitable for sectional month by month analysis.

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Hair drug testing explained

Scalp hair grows at an average rate of one cm per month. This means we can perform a hair strand drug test and analyse it for drug use as far back as the hair strand allows. For example, if a three-month retrospective analysis is required, a three cm section of scalp hair will be used.

When a drug enters the body, it is transported via the blood stream and incorporated into the hair follicle. As the hair grows, it incorporates trace amounts of drugs into the hair strand and so we analyse the hair strand for these drug traces.

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Sibling DNA testing

A sibling DNA test verifies whether two alleged siblings are full or half siblings

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Aunts and uncles DNA testing

An avuncular DNA test is taken to determine if a child is the biological niece or nephew of the alleged aunt or uncle.

The avuncular test is a viable option when the alleged father or mother is unavailable for testing and the only available relative is a brother or sister of the alleged father or mother

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Grandparents DNA testing

A grandparent DNA test can determine whether a child is biologically related to the alleged grandparents. A grandparentage test is based on the fact that a child inherits half of his or her genetic profile from each biological parent.

When one of a child’s parents is unavailable for a parental DNA test, we can look to the grandparents to determine whether they contributed DNA to the child’s genetic profile. This works by comparing the DNA profile of a child with the profiles of their mother and alleged father. If the mother is unavailable for testing, we can usually perform a motherless paternity test.

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Maternity DNA testing

A maternity DNA test is used to determine whether a woman is the biological mother of a child.

Like a paternity test, the maternity test works by comparing the DNA profile of a child, the alleged mother and, when available, the child’s father

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Prenatal paternity DNA testing

Prenatal DNA testing is an accurate and non-invasive way to determine paternity during pregnancy so that care plans can be put in place ahead of the child’s birth.

To analyse this type of parental test, a mouth swab is required from the alleged father and a blood sample from the biological mother’s arm. After profiling the mother and foetus, we are able to compare the markers against the alleged father’s DNA.

The mother must be at least eight weeks pregnant as per confirmation from a medical professional and DNA testing is unable to be undertaken on multiple pregnancies (i.e. twins and triplets).

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Paternity DNA testing

A paternity DNA test resolves doubts relating to the paternity of a child. The test works by comparing the DNA profile of a child with the profiles of their mother and alleged father. If the mother is unavailable for testing, we can usually perform a motherless paternity test.

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Ongoing alcohol testing

SCRAM Continuous Alcohol Monitoring® is an innovative way of monitoring patterns of alcohol use over a defined period of time. The SCRAM bracelet allows for 24/7 testing through scientifically proven technology and is the first of its kind.

SCRAM Continuous Alcohol Monitoring® bracelets explained

The alcohol testing bracelet tests for alcohol excreted through the skin every 30 minutes. Therefore, a pattern of use can be identified over a set period of time (typically 30, 60 or 90 days). Whilst complete abstinence is unable to be confirmed, very low alcohol consumption can be determined. In comparison, hair alcohol testing is useful in showing a historic profile of an individual’s chronic excessive alcohol consumption over a period of months.

The SCRAM Continuous Alcohol Monitoring ® bracelet is also able to distinguish the difference between consumed alcohol and external environmental sources, such as the application of products containing alcohol.  It also contains tamper-proof technology that can detect attempts of tampering or obstruction.

Every 30 days of the testing period, our experts prepare a report detailing the alcohol consumption events or any attempts to tamper or obstruct the monitoring bracelet.

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Ongoing breath alcohol monitoring

The Breath Test is an easy-to-use, convenient and decreet device that tests for alcohol consumption at regular intervals over a set period of time, providing real-time test results.

The Breath Test explained

When a donor blows into the electronic device, it tests for the detection of alcohol and the breathalyser results are then immediately emailed to the donor’s legal representative, providing real-time data to enable quick decisions.

The Breath Test is easy-to-use and utilises enhanced facial recognition to confirm your donor has provided the sample, thus making results legally defensible. The device is also remote so can be used anywhere to fit around the donor’s lifestyle, encouraging regular use from the donor.

This pioneering device is an excellent way to help prove ongoing abstinence, therefore, your Lextox dedicated client manager will work with you to create a bespoke testing programme over 30, 60 or 90 days, that best suits you and your client.

How it works

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Ongoing breath alcohol monitoring

The Breath Test is an easy-to-use, convenient and decreet device that tests for alcohol consumption at regular intervals over a set period of time, providing real-time test results.

The Breath Test explained

When a donor blows into the electronic device, it tests for the detection of alcohol and the breathalyser results are then immediately emailed to the donor’s legal representative, providing real-time data to enable quick decisions.

The Breath Test is easy-to-use and utilises enhanced facial recognition to confirm your donor has provided the sample, thus making results legally defensible. The device is also remote so can be used anywhere to fit around the donor’s lifestyle, encouraging regular use from the donor.

This pioneering device is an excellent way to help prove ongoing abstinence, therefore, your Lextox dedicated client manager will work with you to create a bespoke testing programme over 30, 60 or 90 days, that best suits you and your client.

How it works

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A non-invasive sweat patch for ongoing drug monitoring

DrugPatch is a ground-breaking method which continually collects sweat to monitor for the use of drugs. After historic chronic us is established via hair testing, DrugPatch monitors ongoing abstinence. Lextox are thrilled to be the UK’s first and only organisation to provide DrugPatch to the family law sector.

DrugPatch explained

Innovative and non-invasive, DrugPatch continually collects sweat to monitor for the use of drugs.

The method has been used for over 30 years in the USA and is court validated, so the results can play a key role in supporting your case.

The sweat analysis is undertaken in a partner laboratory who have been assessed against ISO 17025 standards; accredited testing laboratory No. 29862

The Process

The DrugPatch is applied to the donor’s upper arm.

The patch continually collects sweat from the skin, only allowing small molecules like oxygen and water vapour to pass through.

Drug molecules pass through the film and collect on the absorbent pad.

The pad is removed and sent to the laboratory for testing. Results are reported as either positive or negative.

Our DrugPatch Webinars

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A non-invasive sweat patch for ongoing drug monitoring

DrugPatch is a ground-breaking method which continually collects sweat to monitor for the use of drugs. After historic chronic us is established via hair testing, DrugPatch monitors ongoing abstinence. Lextox are thrilled to be the UK’s first and only organisation to provide DrugPatch to the family law sector.

DrugPatch explained

Innovative and non-invasive, DrugPatch continually collects sweat to monitor for the use of drugs.

The method has been used for over 30 years in the USA and is court validated, so the results can play a key role in supporting your case.

The sweat analysis is undertaken in a partner laboratory who have been assessed against ISO 17025 standards; accredited testing laboratory No. 29862

Book a DrugPatch fitting today CLOSE

Nail drug and alcohol testing

Lextox offer nail drug and alcohol testing as an alternative solution to hair analysis when scalp or body hair is unable to be collected, ensuring that you are covered for all of your drug and alcohol testing needs.

Nail testing explained

Nails are made up of the same biological material as hair (keratin) and when drugs or alcohol are consumed, they enter the blood stream and are incorporated into the nail.

We can detect the standard 17 drug panel we test for in hair, excluding NPS, spice, steroids and anti-epileptics. An EtG test (an alcohol biomarker) can also be conducted on nail samples, alongside our recommended blood alcohol tests.

Due to the way nails grow and the available nail that can be collected, the analysis can only be undertaken on an overview basis. A fingernail drug test can cover up to approximately six months of substance use history, whereas a toenail can cover up to 12-18 months use.

Analysis carried out in partnership with a UK laboratory.

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Alcohol blood tests for PEth, liver function and CDT

When used alongside hair testing, blood analysis testing for alcohol markers can help to provide a comprehensive view of chronic use. We offer three different types of blood tests; phosphatidylethanol (PEth), liver function testing (LFT) and carbohydrate deficient transferrin (CDT).

For PEth testing, we offer two forms of collection: venous and dried blood spot. The latter is perfect for needle-phobic donors as only a small prick to the finger is required and collection takes less than two minutes.

No single alcohol test is able to provide a definitive assessment of use and so we recommend that hair alcohol testing is used in conjunction with either PEth or CDT and LFT blood tests.

Alcohol blood testing explained

PEth is a direct biomarker found in red blood cell membranes following alcohol consumption. The phosphatidylethanol test isn’t affected by medication or health problems and provides a detection period of up to four weeks prior to sample collection. For needle-phobic donors, we offer dried blood spot testing, which only requires a small prick to the finger.

Liver function testing (LFT)

A liver function test provides a snapshot of potential liver damage due to excessive alcohol use by monitoring biomarkers in the blood stream. Any damage to the liver alters the biomarkers in the blood stream allowing any impairment to be highlighted.

Carbohydrate deficient transferrin test (CDT)

A CDT blood test measures the percentage of the protein transferrin that is deficient in carbohydrate. Alcohol consumption can interfere with the binding of carbohydrate molecules to transferrin and so excessive alcohol use two to four weeks prior to the test can elevate levels of transferrin that is deficient in carbohydrate, making it a good marker to assess alcohol consumption.

Want more information or to book a collection?

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Hair strand alcohol testing for EtPa and EtG

Hair strand testing from industry leaders. Our testing for alcohol biomarkers provides a monthly overview analysis of chronic excessive alcohol consumption.

Alcohol hair strand testing explained

Our hair strand testing for alcohol detects two types of markers; ethyl palmitate (EtPa) and ethyl glucuronide (EtG) as standard. These markers are ‘by-products’ created by the body in the presence of alcohol so allow us to assess chronic excessive alcohol consumption.

Scalp hair grows at an average rate of one cm per month, a hair alcohol test can provide an indication of excessive alcohol consumption profiling a number of months. For example, if a three month retrospective analysis is required, a three cm section of scalp hair will be used. We can provide analysis for up to six months. We can also analyse smaller hair strand sections for the presence of EtPa and EtG but the results should be interpreted with caution.

We strongly recommend that EtPa and EtG analysis is used in conjunction with other forms of evidence such as a PEth test or CDT blood test (carbohydrate deficient transferrin), clinical assessments and history of alcohol abuse to obtain a comprehensive picture.

Want more information or to book a collection?

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Hair strand testing for drugs and substances of abuse

Hair drug testing from industry leaders. We can determine drug use with an overview monthly analysis or identify trends in use with month-by-month segmental analysis.

Hair strand drug testing explained

Scalp hair grows at an average rate of one cm per month. This means we can perform a hair strand drug test and analyse it for drug use as far back as the hair strand allows. For example, if a three-month retrospective analysis is required, a three cm section of scalp hair will be used.

When a drug enters the body, it is transported via the blood stream and incorporated into the hair follicle. As the hair grows, it incorporates trace amounts of drugs into the hair strand and so we analyse hair strands for these drug traces.

Month by month or overview analysis

Depending on your needs, our hair test analysis can provide a month-by-month analysis or overview analysis. The segmental analysis can determine trends such as an increase or decrease in the levels detected.

An overview analysis will cover a whole section, typically 3 cm covering approximately three months, and identify drug use within that approximate time period.

A body hair sample is analysed as an overview analysis only.

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UKAS accredited testing

Lextox is an ISO 17025 UKAS accredited testing laboratory (No. 7516) and compliant to LAB51, meaning our testing meets strict guidelines. We also apply cut-offs as set by the Society of Hair Testing; an independent and globally recognised body.

ISO 17025 UKAS Accreditation

Lextox is a UKAS accredited testing laboratory (No. 7516).

Please refer to our Service Level Agreement for details of our accreditation.

UKAS is The United Kingdom Accreditation Service. This is the only national accreditation body recognised by the government to assess organisations that provide certification, testing inspection and testing against internationally agreed standards.

View our schedule of accreditation here.

ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems

Lextox is proud to be ISO 9001 certified

Please click here to see our certificate of certification.

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Our hassle-free client manager service

Your dedicated client manager manages the whole process from instruct to results delivery and beyond. They advise on pricing, testing types, liaise directly with donors and arrange all appointments, giving you time back to focus on casework.

Our amazing team of Lextox client managers are experts on our services and are available to answer any questions you may have.

They will handle your case from the first phone call through to delivery of the final report.

They can advise you on the testing service that best suits your needs, will keep you updated on the status of your case throughout and will ensure timely delivery of your results.

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A service you can trust

Lextox works with over 17,000 UK family law professionals every year, providing drug, alcohol and DNA testing services.

At Lextox, we provide hair drug and alcohol testing, blood alcohol testing, DNA testing and SCRAM Continuous Alcohol Monitoring® primarily for family law cases and childcare proceedings.

Lextox was founded in 2011, by industry experts to provide an unparalleled, client focused and industry leading drug and alcohol testing service.

Lextox is a ISO 17025 UKAS accredited testing laboratory (No. 7516) and one of the first UK laboratories to become Lab51 compliant.

Contact us CLOSE Leigh Thomas

Managing Director

Leigh joined SYNLAB as the Managing Director of Lextox in January 2023 with 25 years experience within the in vitro diagnostic sector, specifically in immunoassay test and reagent development and manufacturing.   Leigh is a ‘hands-on’ leader and a former member of the executive team at Abingdon Health Plc, and has also held leadership roles with the BBI Group. He graduated from Cardiff University in 1993. Close CLOSE Natalie Said

Natalie Said

Sales team leader

What things do you love about your normal working day?

Working with a great team who support each other, every day is something different. We have wonderful clients that we have built relationships with over many years.

What attracted you to work at Lextox?

The sector was very different from anything I had been involved in previously and very interesting. I also think it is important work we are doing to help with the safeguarding of children.

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