Understanding ETG Levels at 48 Hours
How long does alcohol stay detectable after 48 hours? This guide explains what ETG levels after 48 hours typically look like, how ETG elimination works, and what factors influence alcohol detection time in ETG urine tests.
What Happens to ETG Levels After Drinking Alcohol?
When alcohol is consumed, the body breaks it down into metabolites, including Ethyl Glucuronide (ETG). ETG can be detected in urine for hours or even days after alcohol use, depending on drinking amount, metabolism, and test sensitivity.
The ETG Levels Chart show how ETG decreases over time — offering an estimate of alcohol detection time for different scenarios.
ETG Levels After 48 Hours Explained
Most ETG tests can detect alcohol up to 48–80 hours after drinking. However, after 48 hours, ETG concentration typically drops below detectable limits for moderate drinkers. Heavy or chronic drinking may still show measurable ETG levels beyond this timeframe.
- For light drinking: ETG often falls below 100 ng/mL within 36–48 hours.
- For moderate drinking: ETG may still be around 200–300 ng/mL after 48 hours.
- For heavy drinkin: ETG can remain detectable up to 72–80 hours, depending on test cutoff.
You can check your estimated ETG levels using the ETG 100 ng Calculator
Factors That Affect ETG Levels After 48 Hours
ETG levels vary from person to person. The following factors determine how long ETG stays in the body:
- Amount of alcohol consumed — more alcohol = higher ETG levels.
- Body weight — lower weight increases ETG concentration.
- Hydration — dehydration slows ETG elimination.
- Liver function — poor liver health delays breakdown.
- Frequency of drinking — consistent drinking increases residual ETG.
To calculate ETG decline rates more precisely, use the ETG Half-Life Calculator.
Typical ETG Cutoff Levels
Different testing programs use varying ETG sensitivity cutoffs to determine a positive or negative result:
- 100 ng/mL — used in strict recovery or treatment programs (detects up to 80 hours).
- 200 ng/mL — moderate sensitivity, used for standard screening.
- 500 ng/mL — common in probation or workplace testing (detects up to 48 hours).
The Accurate ETG Elimination Calculator can help you estimate when your ETG levels will likely drop below each threshold.
Can an ETG Test Still Be Positive After 48 Hours?
Yes, in some cases — particularly after heavy drinking or repeated alcohol use — ETG can remain above the 100 ng/mL or 200 ng/mL detection thresholds beyond 48 hours. However, for light or moderate consumption, ETG levels are often too low to trigger a positive test after two full days.
Factors like metabolism, hydration, and test sensitivity all play a major role in this result.
How to Estimate ETG Elimination Time Accurately
To estimate ETG elimination after drinking:
- Enter the number of drinks and your body weight into an ETG calculator.
- Choose a test sensitivity level (100, 200, or 500 ng/mL).
- Review the predicted ETG decay curve and detection hours.
For a more advanced analysis, try the ETG Date and Time Calculator.
Key Takeaways: ETG Levels After 48 Hours
After 48 hours, ETG levels in urine are usually low or undetectable for most moderate drinkers. However, individual metabolism and drinking patterns cause variation. ETG tests are highly sensitive, so even trace amounts of alcohol can produce detectable ETG shortly after use. Use ETG calculators for educational insight and awareness — not as definitive medical or legal evidence.