About
This website aims to provide information and resources related to EtG testing, a tool used to detect recent alcohol consumption through urine samples.
Ethyl glucuronide (EtG) is a byproduct formed when ethanol (the type of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages) is metabolized in the liver. It results from the combination of ethanol with glucuronide, a naturally occurring compound in the body that binds with various toxins and drugs, allowing their excretion through urine. Even small amounts of alcohol consumption can lead to the formation of EtG, which remains detectable in the urine.
EtG can be detected in the urine for a significantly longer period than alcohol in the blood or breath. After consuming alcohol, EtG may be present in the urine for up to 48 hours and, in cases of heavier drinking, up to 72 hours or more. This makes EtG testing a more effective method for detecting recent alcohol consumption over an extended period.
EtG levels provide limited information about the quantity of alcohol consumed. While higher levels of EtG might suggest greater alcohol intake, several factors can influence these levels, including the amount consumed and the time since consumption. Additionally, individual differences in metabolism can affect how quickly EtG is produced and excreted. There is also a maximum detectable level for EtG, beyond which additional alcohol consumption will not result in higher readings (a "ceiling effect"). EtG tests are primarily designed to detect any alcohol consumption rather than quantify heavy drinking. For those needing to measure heavy drinking specifically, consider a %dCDT test.