Segmental determination of ethyl glucuronide in hair: A pilot study

Brice M.R. Appenzeller*, Resmi Agirman, Paul Neuberg, Michel Yegles, Robert Wennig

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

122 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Ethyl glucuronide (EtG) is a minor metabolite of ethanol. Its detection in hair is more and more studied in both clinical and forensic context for the purpose of alcohol abuse monitoring. In this pilot study, hair specimens from 15 patients included in a treatment program after alcohol abuse cessation, were segmented and analyzed for EtG. The results were then compared to their self-reported past alcohol consumption and to their blood biomarkers values (GGT, MCV, ASAT, ALAT). EtG concentrations measured in hair varied from 8 to 261 pg/mg. The pattern of EtG concentration detected in the different hair segments matched with the drinking history of patients, displaying variations (increase and decrease) in alcohol consumption and also time of cessation. Results also demonstrated the existence of a significant correlation (rp = 0.5357; p = 0.0390) between EtG concentration in hair and the amount of alcohol intake. Variations in the EtG concentrations with respect to hair segments may provide an overview of the drinking history of patients. Moreover, EtG concentration in hair may help to estimate the daily alcohol intake.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)87-92
Number of pages6
JournalForensic Science International
Volume173
Issue number2-3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 20 Dec 2007

Keywords

  • Alcohol consumption
  • Ethyl glucuronide
  • Hair segmental analysis

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Segmental determination of ethyl glucuronide in hair: A pilot study'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this