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Comparison of ethyl glucuronide (EtG) and fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs) concentrations in hair for testing abstinence

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Abstract

Hair analysis is a powerful tool for retrospective drug analysis. By determining the minor ethanol metabolites ethyl glucuronide (EtG) and fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs) in hair, even a previous consumption of alcohol is detectable. However, previous studies showed a lack of correlation if both parameters are determined simultaneously. A further study was conducted to confirm or refute these results. One hundred and sixty hair samples were analyzed for EtG and FAEE in the context of driving ability. In 109 cases, alcohol abstinence was clearly proven and was excluded in 15 cases. In 36 cases, ambiguous results were found. Possible reasons for the deviating results are discussed. It is recommended, that in context of driving ability diagnostics the EtG result is determinant. In critical cases FAEE concentrations can be determined for checking purposes, but a negative FAEE result cannot refute a determined EtG concentration >7 pg/mg.

Comparative illustration of EtG and FAEE concentrations in 160 hair samples analyzed in the context of driving ability diagnostics. The horizontal lines indicate the cut-off values. Color coding: green → teetotalers, red → social or excessive chronic drinkers, yellow and blue → ambiguous results.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Forensic Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, Stiftsplatz 12, 53111, Bonn, Germany

    M. E. Albermann, F. Musshoff & B. Madea

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  1. M. E. Albermann
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  2. F. Musshoff
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Correspondence to M. E. Albermann.

Additional information

Published in the special issue Forensic Toxicology with Guest Editors Frank T. Peters, Hans H. Maurer, and Frank Musshoff.

M. E. Albermann and F. Musshoff contributed to this work equally.

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Albermann, M.E., Musshoff, F. & Madea, B. Comparison of ethyl glucuronide (EtG) and fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs) concentrations in hair for testing abstinence. Anal Bioanal Chem 400, 175–181 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-010-4443-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-010-4443-8

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