What Is an ETG Test?
An ETG test (Ethyl Glucuronide test) is a highly sensitive urine test used to detect recent alcohol consumption. Instead of detecting alcohol itself, it detects the metabolite ETG, which stays in the body much longer.
ETG forms in the liver after you drink alcohol, and even small amounts can trigger a positive result. That’s why ETG tests are often used for:
- Probation and court testing
- Workplace alcohol policies
- Rehab and recovery monitoring
- Child custody cases
- Professional licensing boards
ETG tests are considered more accurate than standard urine alcohol tests.
How Long Does Alcohol Stay in Urine (ETG Timeframe)?
The ETG test can detect alcohol much longer than a standard urine test.
General ETG Detection Window
- Low drinking (1–2 drinks): up to 24–36 hours
- Moderate drinking (3–5 drinks): up to 48–72 hours
- Heavy drinking / binge drinking: up to 80–120 hours (3–5 days)
Why ETG Stays Detectable Longer
Alcohol leaves the body within hours, but ETG remains because it is stored in:
- urine
- hair
- nails
- sometimes blood (rarely tested)
This makes ETG incredibly sensitive sometimes too sensitive which is why false positives can happen from products that contain small amounts of alcohol.
Alcohol Urine Test: Standard vs ETG
There are two main types of urine tests for alcohol:
1. Standard Urine Alcohol Test (Ethanol)
- Detects ethanol directly
- Only accurate for 6–12 hours after drinking
- Commonly used in workplaces
- Not reliable for probation or legal monitoring
2. ETG Urine Alcohol Test
- Detects ethyl glucuronide, not alcohol
- Detects use for 24–120 hours
- Much more accurate
- Used by courts, probation, rehab, and treatment centers
Because ETG is so sensitive, it can detect even:
- mouthwash
- hand sanitizers
- alcohol-based cleaners
- kombucha
- some foods cooked with alcohol
This is why many probation officers tell people to avoid any alcohol-containing products.
4. What It Can & Can’t Do
An ETG calculator is an online estimation tool that predicts how long ETG may remain detectable in urine based on:
- alcohol consumed
- body weight
- gender
- metabolism
- time since last drink
- drinking pattern (light, moderate, heavy)
Important Note About ETG Results
An ETG calculator only provides estimates, because actual detection time depends on:
- liver health
- hydration
- frequency of alcohol use
- body fat percentage
- urine concentration
- drinking intensity
But ETG calculators are still very useful for giving a general estimate of detection windows.
5. ETG in Drug Testing Panels
Many people don’t realize that ETG is often included on multi-panel drug tests.
Where ETG Is Commonly Tested
- 5-panel + alcohol tests
- 10-panel drug tests
- 12-panel extended tests
- Probation drug testing panels
- Rehab intake tests
When ETG shows up on a drug test, it tells the testing officer that alcohol was consumed recently even if no drugs were used.
Drug tests that include ETG are usually designed to:
- Ensure sobriety
- Detect relapse
- Monitor compliance
- Enforce court orders
6. ETG Alcohol Detection Duration
Here is a more detailed table for detection:
| Drinking Level | Approx. ETG Detection Time |
|---|---|
| 1 drink | 12–24 hours |
| 2 drinks | 24–36 hours |
| 3–4 drinks | 36–60 hours |
| 5–6 drinks | 48–72 hours |
| Heavy drinking | 72–96 hours |
| Binge drinking | 80–120+ hours |
Factors That Increase ETG Detection Time
- low metabolism
- dehydration
- high body fat
- daily or frequent drinking
- concentrated urine (dark yellow)
- liver problems
Factors That Reduce ETG Detection Time
- high metabolism
- dilution (clear urine)
- healthy liver
- low body fat