Ethanol and Cocaethylene Hair Mass Concentration (24-hour)
This test measures the amount of ethanol (alcohol) and cocaethylene—a metabolite formed when cocaine and alcohol mix—in hair over a 24-hour period. Hair testing can detect substance use over weeks or months.
["Hair drug screens help track long-term substance exposure, including alcohol and cocaine-related risks."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 16171-1
- Short code
- Cocaethylene Hair-mCnt
- Synonyms
- Cocaethylene Hair-mCnt
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What Does This Test Measure?
Hair contains strands of dead skin cells that capture substances like alcohol and cocaine metabolites over time. This test quantifies the mass concentration of ethanol and cocaethylene in hair, reflecting exposure during the past 24 hours (though hair retains signals for much longer). Unlike urine tests, which show recent use, hair testing provides a broader timeline.
Why Might You Need This Test?
Healthcare providers may order this test to assess long-term substance use patterns, especially in cases of suspected chronic alcohol or cocaine exposure, occupational safety evaluations, or legal/medical investigations. It’s also used in addiction treatment to monitor compliance with abstinence.
How Is the Sample Collected?
A small hair sample (typically 50–100 strands) is collected from the scalp. The hair is processed in a lab to extract and measure the ethanol and cocaethylene concentrations without invasive procedures.
What Are the Results Typically Used For?
Results help determine the extent and duration of substance exposure, which can inform treatment plans, workplace safety decisions, or legal proceedings. However, hair testing alone isn’t definitive for recent use—it’s best used alongside other tests or clinical judgment.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: Limitations and Context
Short name
Hair Drug Screen (Ethanol & Cocaethylene)
Frequently asked questions
Why do I need this test if I’ve only used substances recently?
Can false positives or negatives occur?
Does this test show if I’m addicted?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy