How to Calculate ETG Elimination Time Accurately

ETG (Ethyl Glucuronide) tests are widely used to detect alcohol in the body long after drinking. Unlike breath tests, which only work for a few hours, ETG tests can detect alcohol up to 80 hours after consumption.

In this post, we’ll explain:
What ETG is
Factors that affect ETG elimination
How to calculate ETG elimination time
Why using an ETG Calculator is the easiest option

What is ETG?

ETG (Ethyl Glucuronide) is a byproduct that forms in the body after alcohol consumption. It stays in your system much longer than alcohol itself, which makes ETG testing more effective.

• Breath test: Detects alcohol for a few hours
• Urine ETG test: Detects alcohol up to 80 hours
• Hair test: Detects alcohol up to 90 days

Factors That Affect ETG Elimination Time

Every person is different, but common factors include:

1. Amount of Alcohol Consumed – More drinks = longer detection time.
2. Body Weight & Metabolism – Faster metabolism helps clear alcohol quicker.
3. Hydration Level – Drinking more water may slightly speed up clearance.
4. Age & Health – Healthy livers eliminate alcohol faster.

How to Calculate ETG Elimination Time

1. Manual Estimation

• Average elimination rate of alcohol: 0.015% BAC per hour.
• Example: If your BAC is 0.08%, it takes about 5–6 hours to fully clear alcohol.
• However, ETG remains detectable much longer in urine and hair.

2. Using an ETG Calculator

The fastest and easiest method is to use an online ETG Calculator.

Simply enter:

• Number of drinks
• Weight & gender
• Time of last drink

The calculator will give you a realistic estimate of when alcohol may no longer be detectable in your system.

Why Accuracy Matters

ETG tests are often required for:

• Workplace drug & alcohol testing
• Court-ordered sobriety monitoring
• Rehab & recovery programs

Knowing your ETG elimination time helps avoid surprises and ensures better planning.

Final Thoughts

While no method is 100% accurate (since everyone’s body is different), using an ETG Calculator is the best way to estimate your alcohol detection time.