Through an MPU hair analysis you can verify abstinence from drugs or alcohol as part of a Drug MPU or Alcohol MPU Depending on the nature of the abnormality, the office for the Medical-Psychological Examination (MPU) A time-limited proof of abstinence. In this article, we want to give you an overview of the process, costs, and experiences with an MPU hair analysis.
What is a hair analysis in the context of the MPU?
If a urine testing program is not possible for you, proof of alcohol or drug abstinence can be provided retrospectively through hair analysis. You can prove your drug abstinence retrospectively for up to six months using hair analysis. For alcohol abstinence, a hair analysis for the MPU (Medical-Psychological Assessment) is only possible retrospectively for a maximum of three months. Since hair grows approximately one centimeter per month, each centimeter of your hair represents proof of one month of abstinence.
Why is hair analysis considered reliable for the MPU?
Many people wonder why hair analysis is considered reliable when a blood test can also reveal information about alcohol and drug consumption. The reason lies in the nature of hair. It acts like a mirror to one's health.
Sometimes they can indicate insufficient hormone balance, a vitamin deficiency, or other physical ailments. However, not only substances necessary for a healthy organism are reflected in the hair. Invisible to the human eye, traces of drugs and alcohol are deposited in the hair – and remain there. No shampoo or hair coloring can prevent residues from accumulating in the hair core. This is precisely where the advantage of the MPU hair analysis lies.
Depending on the desired analysis, several hair samples are taken from the person in question and examined in the laboratory. This can determine precisely whether and what type of drugs the person has taken in the past – and can also determine how long ago the use occurred.
How a hair analysis works
Hair analysis is applicable to both alcohol and psychoactive substances. The length of the hair sample varies depending on what is being analyzed. For each MPU (Medical-Psychological Assessment) hair analysis, small bundles of hair, approximately the thickness of a pencil, are cut from the individual (usually from the back of the head). If only a small amount of hair is available, various locations on the head can be used to obtain the required quantity for the hair analysis. If no head hair is available, urine samples must generally be used.
For alcohol, three centimeters of hair are tested. For drugs, the hair sample is six centimeters long. These lengths are fixed values that must be strictly adhered to.
If the MPU hair analysis is intended to detect both drug and alcohol consumption, four hair samples are taken three months apart. Samples one and three are used to detect alcohol, and samples two and four are used to detect drugs.
To prevent falsification of the hair analysis results, the person concerned must confirm that they have not come into contact with the sample after it was taken. The length of the hair sample and the remaining hair are then precisely documented.
MPU hair analysis for alcohol (EtG)
A hair analysis for alcohol tests for the breakdown product of alcohol, ethyl glucuronide (EtG). This breaks down over time. Therefore, a hair analysis can only detect alcohol for a maximum of 3 months at a time.
The legal limit is 7 pg/mg. However, hair analysis for alcohol differs significantly from that for drug use.
For a six-month abstinence program, you must submit two samples; for a full year, at least four. The hair sample is usually limited to a piece of hair about three centimeters long.
MPU hair analysis for drugs
Hair analysis for drug use can be conducted over an extended period. Theoretically, you can submit a hair sample every 12 months. Hair analysis for drug use varies, as can be graded as follows:
- Drug hazard: at least 1 x 6 cm
- Advanced drug problem: 2 x 6 cm (each for 6 months retroactively)
- Proven drug addiction: Proof of abstinence that you have been drug- and alcohol-free for more than 12 months, through hair analysis or urine analysis
The drug test through hair analysis can detect these substances:
- Ethyl glucuronide (ETG) as alcohol detection
- Cannabinoids/ THC (a breakdown product of cannabis)
- Cocaine
- amphetamine
- opiate
- Methadone
- benzodiazepines
Ketamine hair analysis at MPU
The ketamine hair analysis for a medical-psychological assessment (MPU) is performed in the same way as the previously described hair analysis for drug-related MPU offenses. After identity verification, a hair sample (6 cm) is taken, labeled accordingly, and analyzed. The results are available after approximately two weeks.
Hair analysis for MPU: Experiences
In general, the MPU hair analysis is well received by those affected. Despite the difficult and uncertain period of abstinence, the majority of participants have positive experiences with the hair analysis.
Hair analysis positive despite abstinence
In rare cases, hair analysis may be positive despite abstinence. There can be several reasons for this:
- slow hair growth: For example, the 3 centimeters that are cut off actually correspond to 4 months (instead of 3).
- passive contact with alcohol-containing products: for example, through cleaning products or hand disinfectants containing alcohol that have entered the body through the skin.
- passive contact with drugs: for example, by staying in rooms where marijuana is smoked.
- Unknowing consumption of alcohol: for example through food, chocolates or drinks.
There is a restitution sample or reserve sample from your hair analysis that you can have analyzed. However, this only makes sense if you are absolutely certain and have completely ruled out all of the above possibilities. You must be certain that the hair analysis is a false positive.
You need support with hair analysis for the MPU. We support you within the scope of our MPU preparation and answer all your questions. In a free initial MPU consultation We can clarify whether you need abstinence and if so, for 6 or 12 months.
What are the legal requirements for a hair analysis as part of the MPU?
Not every doctor is qualified to perform a hair analysis. The laboratory commissioned to carry out the hair analysis must comply with the Regulations of DIN ISO EN 17025 be licensed and have forensic laboratory status. Only such a laboratory can determine alcohol and drug consumption or abstinence from a hair sample.
Costs for an MPU hair analysis for drugs and alcohol
Prices vary depending on where you have the MPU hair analysis performed. A pure alcohol hair analysis (EtG) is the most affordable option. Prices start at approximately €80 directly from the lab, for example. Laboratory EndesThe average price directly from the MPU offices is €249. The drug hair analysis costs approximately €299. If those affected need to prove abstinence from both drugs and alcohol, they require the forensic hair analysis for drugs and alcohol, which is the most expensive at approximately €300-350.
