Alcohol Testing - Hairstrand Test or SCRAM Bracelet?

If alcohol use is something that professionals are concerned about or which has been an issue in the past, then you may be asked to agree to testing. Although you might not see the need for testing or see this as professionals doubting you, my advice would be to agree to testing. If you do not then it will seem that you have something to hide and professionals and the Court will presume the worst. Alcohol or drug testing cannot be done without your consent.

For some circumstances such as checking you are sober before you have contact with your children then a simple breathalyser may be sufficient.

If there are Court proceedings then a more reliable testing method which shows level of use over a period of time may be ordered. Hairstrand testing involves taking a hair sample usually from your head although other body hair can sometimes be used if your head hair is not long enough or has been dyed or bleached. Details are taken of products which have been used on your hair and any prescription, over the counter or illicit drugs you have used. The samples are tested in a lab for alcohol, for up to 12 months (depending on the length of hair) but more commonly 3 months or 6 months.

The problem with hairstrand testing for alcohol is that it is only truly reliable to test for chronic alcohol use, equivalent to drinking 7 or more units of alcohol every day for a sustained period of time. (eg 7 half pints of normal strength beer, 7 measures of spirit or 7 pub measures of wine)

Hairstrand testing is less reliable to prove that you haven’t been drinking at all, because some ethanol ( should we say what ethanol is) may be present in hair if you have been exposed to alcohol in other ways eg by sitting in pubs. Hairstrand testing should not be the only evidence. It should be used as part of a wider picture.

Transdermal alcohol continuous testing (TACT), commonly referred to as a SCRAM bracelet has been available in the UK for about 4 years. It cannot be used to show what you have consumed in the past. In such cases, hair strand testing is likely to be the most appropriate method as it can go back for up to 6 months with 6 cm of hair. However, if the court wishes to monitor your current and future alcohol intake, TACT is a very good option as it tests for alcohol every 30 minutes over long periods and provides information on specific drinking events and levels, which hair testing cannot do.

The principle behind TACT is how the human body metabolises (should we say processes)alcohol.
TACT has two main components: a base station and an ankle bracelet. The SCRAM bracelet has to be fitted to your ankle by a trained person sent by the system provider to ensure that it is fitted correctly. It transmits alcohol data to the base station in the person’s home, which in turn sends it for analysis and reporting. The bracelet tests every 30 minutes.

The bracelet is not uncomfortable to wear. It is water resistant, but you need to shower rather than take a bath as it must not be submerged. If you try to tamper with the equipment by trying to remove or obstruct it, it will send an alert. Reports can be provided weekly, monthly or at the end of the testing programme. The bracelet should usually be worn for at least a month.

The different types of test are each suitable in some circumstances. Your solicitor will talk to you about what may be appropriate for you.

Jo Taylor
October 2017