Quick ETG Testing Summary

ETG is a sensitive biomarker of recent alcohol exposure. Tests vary by cutoff (100, 200, 500 ng/mL) and individual biology. If you’re worried about a test, the safe approach is to avoid alcohol and notify testing authorities about medications/conditions that may cause interference, use calculators to estimate detection windows, and seek confirmatory lab testing or legal advice if a result is disputed.

How ETG Testing Works

When the body metabolizes ethanol (alcohol), one metabolite produced is Ethyl Glucuronide (EtG or ETG). ETG is excreted in urine and can be measured in nanograms per millilitre (ng/mL). ETG tests detect recent alcohol exposure—often for hours to several days after drinking—depending on amount consumed and sensitivity of the lab cutoff.

Typical cutoffs: 100 ng/mL (very sensitive), 200 ng/mL (moderate), and 500 ng/mL (common in probation). Lower cutoffs detect smaller traces for longer.

Typical ETG Detection Windows

These are averages — individual metabolism, hydration, and liver function change timelines significantly.

ETG Decay Curve Visualization

Below is an illustrative decay curve showing how ETG concentration might fall after a drinking episode. Use our calculators (linked below) for personalized estimates.

ETG False Positives & Reducing Accidental Exposure

ETG tests are highly sensitive and can detect very small exposures. Some common legitimate sources that have caused false positives in studies or case reports include:

• Topical products: hand sanitizers, some mouthwashes, perfumes — these contain ethanol and can, in rare/extreme use, affect urine ETG.
• Medications and medications with alcohol: some liquid cough medicines, tinctures, or antiseptics.
• Fermented foods and products: improperly stored fermented foods, non-alcoholic beer with trace alcohol, or certain kombuchas.
• Environmental exposure: working with ethanol-containing cleaners or solvents (rare but possible with heavy exposure).

How to legitimately reduce accidental positives:

• Avoid alcohol-containing mouthwashes and hand sanitizers for 24–48 hours before testing when possible (use soap and water instead).
• Tell the testing authority about prescribed medications, OTC preparations, or topical products you use — document with packaging or prescription notes if possible.
• If you work with solvents or have occupational exposure, inform and document that exposure for the testing lab or your counselor.
• Maintain regular hydration and a healthy routine — while hydration doesn’t “flush” ETG away faster in a reliable way, it can support normal renal function.

Do not attempt to substitute samples, dilute samples deliberately, or use masking products. Those actions can be treated as tampering, lead to invalid results, and carry legal/administrative penalties.

What to Do After a Positive ETG Result

A positive ETG test can be stressful. Follow these steps to handle the situation responsibly:

1. Remain calm. A single positive is not the end — there are confirmatory procedures and legitimate defenses.
2. Ask for confirmatory testing. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or LC-MS/MS confirmatory tests can distinguish true positives and quantify ETG reliably.
3. Disclose medications and exposures. Give testers a full list of prescription drugs, OTC meds, and topical products used in the days before testing.
4. Request chain-of-custody and lab details. Ask which lab processed the sample and whether confirmation was done; labs should follow protocols.
5. Consult a medical professional. If you have a condition (e.g., liver disease, diabetes, auto-brewery syndrome) that might affect results, seek medical documentation.
6. Get legal advice if necessary. If the test result has legal or employment consequences, contact an attorney who understands toxicology evidence.

Safe Alternatives to Cheating

Instead of searching for ways to beat a test, do the following:

• Stop drinking immediately if you’re trying to be compliant — time is the only reliable factor that reduces ETG.
• Use ETG calculators (below) to estimate detection windows and plan legitimately — this reduces surprises.
• Follow program rules and be transparent with monitoring authorities — disclosure often helps resolve false positives.
• Seek support (counseling, medical care) if alcohol use is a concern — programs are in place to help, not only to punish.

Helpful ETG Tools & Calculators

Use these calculators and resources to estimate ETG levels, timing, and visualize detection windows:

ETG Testing FAQs

Can Mouthwash or Hand Sanitizer Cause a Positive ETG Test?

In rare/extreme cases heavy or repeated use of ethanol-containing products has been associated with elevated ETG. Most routine use will not trigger a lab-confirmed positive, but avoid them before testing and disclose use to the tester.

How Long Does ETG Stay Detectable?

For light drinking many people fall below common cutoffs within 24–48 hours; heavier drinking may be detectable for several days. Use a calculator for personalized estimates.

What Is the Best Confirmatory ETG Test?

GC-MS or LC-MS/MS are accepted confirmatory methods in most labs and are the standard for disputing screening positives.

Reliable ETG References & Further Reading

• NIH / NCBI research on ETG and biomarkers (search for Ethyl Glucuronide studies)
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) guidance on biomarkers
• Peer-reviewed toxicology literature on ETG detection windows

Final Thoughts on ETG Testing

If you’re concerned about an upcoming ETG test, prioritize time (stop drinking), transparency (disclose meds/exposures), and confirmatory testing if needed. Avoid any actions intended to tamper with or evade testing — those carry risks and serious consequences. Use the calculators and charts linked above to understand detection windows and make informed, lawful decisions.