Measurement of alcohol biomarkers in hair - Scottish Caucasian Population
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Measurement of alcohol biomarkers in hair - Scottish Caucasian patients participating in alcohol detoxification programmes
IRAS ID
215763
Contact name
Peerayuht Phuangphung
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 4 months, 31 days
Research summary
Alcohol-related harm is a major healthcare concern in the UK. According to statistical figures from 1991-2011, alcohol-related deaths for both genders in Scotland were 15-40 per 100,000 per year and were higher than in England and Wales even though the mortality tended to decline after 2003-2005. In addition, chronic alcohol consumption and alcohol dependence related diseases cause a considerable burden on the NHS in Scotland, England and Wales. The prevalence of alcohol dependence in 2005 in the UK was 5.4% in 15-64 year olds; higher than the EUs 5.1%. Alcohol detoxification programmes have been implemented with the aim to decrease alcohol related mortality and diseases; improving quality of life. During treatment, alcohol biomarkers can be used for the evaluation of abstinence and surveillance of alcohol abuse. Ethyl glucuronide (EtG) and fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs) are two direct alcohol biomarkers which are specific to alcohol consumption because they are generated from human alcohol metabolism. These two biomarkers can be detected in hair samples and their concentrations in hair have been shown to be related to the amount of alcohol consumed. The Society of Hair Testing (SoHT) published recommendations for alcohol biomarkers in hair to assist in interpretation of concentrations. Current guidelines provide hair cut-off concentrations of EtG and FAEEs for diagnosis of alcohol abstinence and excessive alcohol consumption. However, there are gaps in literature that require further study, including data from individuals who have varying levels of alcoholic drinking history. Thus, this study aims to investigate alcohol biomarkers in hair from Scottish individuals to obtain valuable information for hair alcohol biomarker interpretation.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 3
REC reference
17/WS/0179
Date of REC Opinion
25 Oct 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion