EtG Test – You’ve Got Questions – New Life Has Answers
EtG testing is a very hot topic, and many people ask the doctors and staff at New Life Medical Addiction Services in Marlton, New Jersey, for answers.
Our substance abuse experts are deeply knowledgeable about all forms of alcohol testing, including the important EtG test, and are available to answer questions at any time. Feel free to call us today at: 856-942-3700 or send us a Text Message.
Before we answer the most common questions about the EtG test, we would like to recommend that anyone who has a concern about an upcoming test for alcohol come to see us first to learn how we can help. New Life Medical Addiction Services specializes in treating a wide range of substance use disorders including the misuse or addiction to alcohol.
At New Life, we are revolutionizing the treatment of alcoholism through our unique out-patient model. No longer do patients need to check in to expensive and time-consuming 30-day in-patient treatment facilities. Patients come to our beautiful treatment center to receive their treatment and counseling and then can return to the comfort of their homes to recover in familiar surroundings and with those who love and care for them.
New Life’s outpatient treatment model is not only effective, but it allows our patients to continue to work and to do the things that are important to them while they recover from their dependence on alcohol. If maintaining the things in life that are important to you while you recover, New Life’s model is for you.
The following are some common questions surrounding EtG testing:
How long can EtG be detected in urine?
EtG can be detected in a person’s urine much longer than alcohol can be detected in blood or breath. After a few drinks, EtG can be present and detected in urine for up to 48 hours. If the drinking is heavier, it can sometimes be detected up to 70 to 80 hours in urine.
What are SAMHSA’s guidelines for alcohol testing?
SAMHSA does not recommend the use of a positive EtG test as the only evidence that a person has consumed alcohol recently. It recommends that there be additional corroborating evidence of alcohol use to confirm a positive EtG test.
Will I pass an EtG after 48 hours?
Drinking the night before should be detectable the following morning with EtG cutoffs of 100 or 200 ng/ml. Twenty-four hours after drinking, sensitivity is poor for light drinking, but stronger for heavier alcohol consumption. At 48 hours, the sensitivity of the EtG test is lowered following 6 drinks or less.
Does water flush alcohol out of a person’s system?
Water can help reduce a person’s blood alcohol level, however it will still take one hour to metabolize 20 mg/dL of alcohol.
Can energy drinks or coffee help with alcohol testing?
It is a myth that that energy drinks, coffee or any similar beverages will alleviate alcohol intoxication quicker.
When does EtG peak?
After the consumption of 0.5–0.78 g ethanol/kg body weight, peak concentrations of EtG in serum of 0.3–1.1 mg/L were reached between 2.3 and 5 hours after the start of drinking. For EtS, peak concentrations of 0.1–0.8 mg/L were observed between 2.1 and 3.9 hour.
Does EtG accumulate in the human body?
No long term accumulation of EtG occurs following repeated alcohol ingestion. It is excreted in urine.
How does one get rid of alcohol metabolites?
Once alcohol is in the bloodstream, it can only be eliminated by the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase, sweat, urine, and breath. Drinking water and sleeping will not speed up the process. Furthermore, drinking coffee and energy drinks, or taking a cold shower will not eliminate alcohol faster.
Can hand sanitizer make you fail an alcohol test?
The ethanol used in hand sanitizers is mainly incorporated by the respiratory tract but not via the skin. It can cause a distinct ethyl glucuronide excretion and, as a result, is analytically true-positive but forensically false-positive EtG findings in the urine of ethanol abstaining persons.
What is the half-life of EtG in urine?
In testing, elimination of EtG occurs with a median half-life of 2.2 hours (range 1.7-3.1 h), and the renal clearance was 8.32 L/hours (median, range 5.25-20.86). The concentrations of EtG are always much higher in urine than in blood.
Do employers use EtG testing?
EtG testing is not appropriate in the workplace since it does not detect current impairment or prove current consumption of alcohol during hours.
If you have concerns about your alcohol use or that of someone you care about, contact New Life Medical Addiction Services today. We can offer you a path to sobriety that will change your life forever.
To speak to someone at New Life, call us at: 856-942-3700 or send us a Text Message.
