At A.M.L., you can rely on our expertise for a wide range of forensic analyses. Our dedicated toxicology department has many years of experience in drug testing and alcohol detection.

 

Monitoring alcohol use

We offer various short- and long-term biomarkers for the monitoring of alcohol consumption.
In addition to classic markers such as blood alcohol concentration and CDT, we also offer analysis of Phosphatidylethanol (PEth).
PEth is a direct, long-term biomarker for alcohol use, providing insight into consumption over the month preceding the blood draw. This test is performed three times per week, so results are typically available within approximately 5 working days. Moreover, our method is ISO 15189 accredited and IVDR compliant. Upon request, our forensic expert can provide an official report interpreting the PEth results.
Blood samples can be collected by your general practitioner or at one of our collection centres during regular opening hours - no appointment is required.
 

Drug testing: urine

AML offers a wide panel of detectable substances in urine. In addition to classic drugs (amphetamines, cocaine, opiates, methadone, and cannabis), we can also detect several New Psychoactive Substances (NPS), such as GHB, ketamine, mephedrone, 2-MMC, 3-MMC, flakka compounds, and others. For judicial procedures, a full panel of 60 substances can be screened.
Urine drug tests typically reflect usage over the past week, although cocaine and cannabis may be detectable for significantly longer periods.
In judicial contexts, it is essential to ensure the urine sample truly belongs to the individual being tested. In addition to identity verification, our trained nursing staff supervise the collection process to rule out any tampering or substitution. This supervision is documented in the analytical report, offering substantial added value in legal proceedings. Presenting a valid ID card is mandatory.
 

Drug testing: blood

In addition to urine testing, drugs such as amphetamines, opiates, cocaine, ketamine, and cannabis can also be detected in serum at AML. Blood tests are mainly requested by legal authorities. Most drugs remain detectable in blood for up to 48 hours after use. Blood sampling can be done by your GP or at one of our collection centres.

Drug testing: hair

AML performs hair drug analyses using high-tech equipment for both sample preparation and testing. Hair testing is especially valuable when long-term substance use or abstinence must be demonstrated - typically over a 3- to 6-month period. Once incorporated into the hair shaft, drug components remain stable for extended periods.
Proper sample collection is crucial. Our trained staff at AML West (Ardooie), Antwerp (Emiel Vloorsstraat 9), Mechelen, and Lokeren follow strict protocols to ensure correct sample collection during regular center hours - no appointment necessary.
Your GP can also find hair sample collection instructions on our website.
AML performs in-house testing for five major drug classes: amphetamines, cocaine, opiates, methadone, and ketamine, using chromatographic methods as recommended by international guidelines. These analyses are performed biweekly, and results are available within 18 days.
For cannabis and ethyl glucuronide (an alcohol consumption marker), we collaborate with an external laboratory. These results are available within 5 weeks.
Results are interpreted according to the cut-off values established by the Society of Hair Testing (SoHT).
Concentrations above the cut-off values are considered evidence of regular use of the corresponding substance. These values apply to the analysis of 3 cm segments of scalp hair. For longer segments (up to 6 cm), potential dilution must be considered.
Hair growth is assumed to average 1 cm per month. Therefore, a 3 cm sample cut close to the scalp reflects drug use over the past 3 months.
 

Contact

Dr. Pharm. Clin. Biol. Lisbeth Patteet: lisbeth.patteet@aml-lab.be

Dr. Pharm. Clin. Biol. Delphine Cappelle: delphine.cappelle@aml-lab.be