Source PDF: SOP_Omega Hair Alcohol Test (EtG) – CSR Guidance .pdf
SOP_Omega Hair Alcohol Test (EtG) - CSR Guidance
Purpose
This SOP provides guidance for Customer Service Representatives (CSR) when responding to
enquiries regarding Hair Alcohol Testing (EtG) offered through Omega Laboratories. It clarifies how
the EtG analysis can be ordered and how pricing is structured internally.
- Overview of Hair EtG Testing
The Hair Ethyl Glucuronide (EtG) analysis detects metabolites deposited in hair from alcohol
consumption over several months. This allows laboratories to assess patterns of alcohol use rather
than a single drinking event.
Hair EtG testing is commonly used for:
- Court or family law cases
- Child custody monitoring
- Workplace or professional monitoring
- Clinical or rehabilitation programs
The analysis measures the EtG metabolite, which is a direct biomarker of alcohol consumption.
Hair samples provide approximately three months of alcohol consumption history when 1.5 inches
(3.81 cm) of head hair is analysed.
- Testing Options Available
CSR should understand that EtG testing can be ordered in two ways.
Option 1 - EtG Alcohol Test Only
The client orders Hair EtG testing as a standalone analysis.
This analysis detects alcohol consumption patterns only.
Internal lab cost:
$85.00
Option 2 - EtG Added to a Drug Panel
EtG can also be added to any standard hair drug testing panel.
In this case:
- The drug panel and EtG analysis are processed together
- Results are issued on a combined report
Internal lab cost:
Drug panel price
$85.00 EtG addition
Example (internal cost illustration):
Drug panel cost
- Sample Requirements
Hair collection requirements are consistent with standard Omega hair drug testing guidelines.
Hair Required - Standalone EtG Test
- Approximately 90-120 strands of head hair
- Minimum 1.5 inches (3.81 cm) in length
Hair Required - EtG Added to Drug Panel
- Standard drug test sample
- Additional hair sample (~50 strands) may be required for the EtG portion
CSR should ensure collectors are aware that sufficient hair must be collected to support
both analyses when EtG is added to a panel.
-
Detection Window
Hair EtG testing can detect alcohol consumption over a three-month period when using the
standard 1.5-inch hair segment.
Hair testing measures long-term consumption patterns, not immediate intoxication.
-
Interpretation of Results (General Guidance)
Hair EtG results are interpreted using guidelines such as those published by the Society of Hair
Testing (SoHT).
Typical interpretation ranges:
EtG Level (pg/mg) Interpretation EtG Level (pg/mg)
0 - 4.9 Negative / Possible abstinence 0 - 4.9
5 - 29.9 Social consumption 5 - 29.9
30 Excessive consumption 30
CSR should never interpret results for clients, but may explain that the laboratory uses
internationally recognised interpretation guidelines.
-
Turnaround Time
Typical laboratory turnaround time:
3 - 6 working days from receipt of the hair sample at the laboratory.
-
Key CSR Guidance When Handling Enquiries
When clients ask about alcohol testing, CSR should clarify:
-
Whether the client requires:
- Alcohol testing only (EtG)
- Drug panel with alcohol testing added
- Explain that:
- EtG detects alcohol consumption history, not intoxication at a specific moment.
- Hair testing provides a longer detection window than blood or urine tests.
- Confirm that:
- Hair samples must meet minimum length and quantity requirements.
- Testing is conducted to forensic laboratory standards.
- Important Internal Note
The $85 EtG cost referenced by Omega is the laboratory cost only.
CSR must always refer to the internal price list or CRM pricing when quoting clients, as retail
pricing differs from laboratory pricing.