Comparing SCRAM CAM, EtG, Hair Follicle, and Blood Tests for Alcohol Detection

Various methods have emerged in alcohol detection to address different needs and contexts. This comprehensive comparison explores four primary testing methods: SCRAM CAM (Continuous Alcohol Monitoring), EtG (Ethyl Glucuronide) tests, hair follicle tests, and blood tests. Each method offers unique advantages and limitations, making it suitable for different scenarios in legal, medical, and occupational settings.

SCRAM CAM (Continuous Alcohol Monitoring)

How It Works

SCRAM CAM devices are ankle-worn bracelets that measure alcohol excreted through the skin (transdermally) every 30 minutes. These devices utilize an electrochemical fuel cell to detect ethanol in sweat, providing continuous, real-time monitoring without user intervention.

Advantages

  • Continuous Monitoring: Offers 24/7 real-time data on alcohol consumption, ideal for strict supervision scenarios.
  • Non-Invasive: Eliminates the need for regular sample collection, reducing inconvenience.
  • Tamper Detection: Equipped with temperature and infrared sensors to detect tampering attempts, ensuring data integrity.
  • Environmental Alcohol Differentiation: Can distinguish between alcohol consumption and external environmental sources. 
  • The client does not have to leave their home.
  • No secondary test for confirmation is needed.
  • Moon provides testimony to back up all confirmed alerts, at no cost to the court.

Limitations

  • Alcohol-Specific: Detects only alcohol, not other substances.

EtG (Ethyl Glucuronide) Tests

How It Works

EtG is a direct biomarker of ethanol, detectable in urine for up to 80 hours after alcohol consumption, depending on how much alcohol is consumed, the rate of metabolism, and other factors.

Advantages

  • Extended Detection Window: Can identify alcohol consumption several days after ingestion.
  • High Sensitivity: Capable of detecting low levels of alcohol, useful for confirming abstinence.

Limitations

  • False Positives: Incidental exposure to alcohol-containing products can result in positive tests.
  • No Quantification: Unable to determine the amount of alcohol consumed. UA’s have to be observed by same-sex admin, so you have to have staff onboard to handle a UA.
  • UA’s should be lab tested, but often insta-cups are used, leading to false positive/negative results
  • The cut-off for alcohol detections is typically set at 500 ng for the criminal justice system, which has greater potential to produce false negative readings.
  • The cut-off for in-treatment settings is typically 300 ng, this will catch more alcohol consumption but can lead to false positives as well, depending on the substances used by the client.

Hair Follicle Tests

How It Works

Hair follicle tests analyze hair samples to detect alcohol and other substances over a period of up to 90 days, and in some cases, up to a year.

Advantages

  • Long Detection Window: Provides a history of alcohol consumption over several months.
  • Non-Invasive: Only a small hair sample is required for testing.

Limitations

  • Limited to Chronic Use: Better suited for detecting long-term patterns rather than recent or occasional consumption.
  • Environmental Contamination: Hair can absorb alcohol from the environment, potentially leading to false positives.

Blood Tests

How It Works

Blood tests measure the concentration of alcohol in the bloodstream, providing an immediate snapshot of current intoxication levels.

Advantages

  • Accuracy: Highly reliable for determining current intoxication levels.
  • Immediate Results: Provides a precise measure of alcohol concentration at the time of testing.

Limitations

  • Very Short Detection Window: Alcohol is detectable in blood for only up to 12 hours after consumption.
  • Invasive: Requires a blood draw, which can be uncomfortable and necessitates medical personnel.

Comparison Summary

Feature SCRAM CAM EtG Test Hair Follicle Test Blood Test
Detection Window Continuous Up to 80 hours Up to 90 days (or longer) Up to 12 hours
Invasiveness Non-invasive Non-invasive Non-invasive Invasive
Frequency of Testing Continuous Periodic Periodic One-time
Tamper Detection Yes No No No
Sensitivity High High Moderate High
Cost Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate to high
Use Case Legal supervision, probation Confirming abstinence Long-term monitoring Legal, medical, immediate intoxication

 

While each testing method has its strengths, SCRAM CAM stands out for its ability to provide continuous, non-invasive monitoring with tamper detection capabilities. This makes it an ideal solution for legal supervision, probation, and situations requiring ongoing alcohol monitoring.

If you’re seeking a reliable, comprehensive alcohol monitoring solution, consider Moon Security’s SCRAM CAM services. With over 65 years of industry experience, Moon Security is committed to providing top-tier security solutions tailored to your needs.

Take the next step in effective alcohol monitoring. Contact Moon Security today at 888-262-1371 to learn more about implementing SCRAM CAM for your monitoring needs.

Moon Security

Established in 1957, Moon Security is a leading provider of security solutions across Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. Ranked among the Top 100 Security Companies in the industry, Moon Security combines decades of expertise with cutting-edge technology to deliver unparalleled security services. Their commitment to professional installation, monitoring, and customer support has earned them an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

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