Accurate self report strategies, biological state markers, combinations of alternative biomarkers, and combinations of biomarkers and self reports capable of monitoring alcohol consumption with a high sensitivity and specificity over a broad time spectrum are disclosed.
In particular, the use of ethyl sulfate (monoethylsulfate, molecular weight 126 g/mol, C2H5SO4H) to elucidate ethanol intake is described in the context of screening monitoring in various settings, e.g. a) after liver transplantation b) methadone maintenance patients with hepatitis C and comorbid excessive alcohol use c) underage drinking d) rehabilitation programs for alcoholics motivational feedback to improve knowledge on drinking patterns differentiating moderate/social drinking from problematic/harmful drinking differential diagnosis (e.g. elevated transaminases) evaluating treatment programs and drug trials elucidating the role of neuropsychological impairment following alcoholisation (i.e. hangover state) which plays a major role in accidents, disclosing recent drinking in social drinkers in risky situations (driving, workplaces, pregnancy (fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)), and general monitoring.