A new test developed by AbuseCheckâ"¢ could help rehabilitation centers, counselors, and even court systems determine how much alcohol a person has consumed. The test measures the levels of fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs) in hair follicles.
"FAEEs are byproducts of alcohol metabolism created by the body. As these molecules circulate in the blood, they are incorporated into the structure of growing hair. The more alcohol which has been consumed, the higher the levels of FAEEs in the hair during that period of time."
Unlike breathalyzers or urine tests that only evaluate recent alcohol use, the AbuseCheckâ"¢ Hair Alcohol Test gives evidence of long-term use, according to the product's manufacturer.