Urine EtG Test Calculator

Specialized calculator for urine EtG detection with hydration and pH adjustments

Basic Parameters

Gender
Advanced Urine Parameters

Likely Negative

EtG level is likely below 100 ng/mL threshold

Current EtG: ~18 ng/mL

Recommendations:

  • Your EtG level is likely below the detection threshold.
  • Consider adding a 12-24 hour safety buffer before testing.
  • Avoid alcohol consumption until after your test.
  • This is an estimate - individual metabolism varies by ±20-30%.

Note: This calculator provides estimates based on scientific models. Individual results may vary by ±20-30% due to metabolism differences.

All calculations are performed locally in your browser. No data is sent to any server.

Interpreting Your Results

Negative (< 70% of cutoff)

EtG likely below threshold. Add 12-24h safety buffer before testing.

Borderline (70-120% of cutoff)

High-risk zone. Individual variation could affect results. Wait additional 24-48h if possible.

Positive (> 120% of cutoff)

Above threshold. Wait estimated clearance time plus 24h buffer. Retest as time passes.

Understanding Urine EtG Testing

Urine EtG (Ethyl Glucuronide) testing is the most common method for detecting recent alcohol consumption, offering a detection window of 24-80 hours. Unlike blood or saliva tests, urine EtG is uniquely affected by hydration, pH, and kidney function. This calculator uses a scientifically validated model (Wurst et al., 2015; SAMHSA, 2012) accounting for these urine-specific factors. The base calculation follows the half-life decay model (approximately 5 hours), then applies adjustments for hydration, pH, and kidney function. Urine testing offers the longest detection window, making it preferred for workplace monitoring, legal supervision, and treatment programs. However, proper timing and preparation are crucial.

Common Drinking Scenarios

Light (2-3 drinks)

Social drinking

Calculation Steps

  • Peak: ~1,000 ng/mL
  • Pass 500: 12-18h
  • Pass 100: 24-36h
Result: 24-36 hours + 12h buffer recommended.

Moderate (5-6 drinks)

Evening out

Calculation Steps

  • Peak: ~2,500 ng/mL
  • Pass 500: 24-30h
  • Pass 100: 48-60h
Result: 48-60 hours + 24h buffer.

Heavy (10+ drinks)

Heavy session

Calculation Steps

  • Peak: ~5,000 ng/mL
  • Pass 500: 36-48h
  • Pass 100: 72-96h
Result: 3-4 days. High individual variation.

Binge (15+ drinks)

Excessive consumption

Calculation Steps

  • Peak: ~8,000+ ng/mL
  • Pass 500: 48-72h
  • Pass 100: 96-120h+
Result: 4-5+ days. Consult professional.

Multi-Day

Consecutive days

Calculation Steps

  • Peak: Varies
  • Pass 500: 72h+
  • Pass 100: 120h+
Result: 5-7+ days to clear.

How to Use This Calculator

1

Enter Basic Information

Input drinks, weight, gender, and hours since last drink.

2

Adjust Urine Parameters

Select hydration level, urine pH, and kidney function in Advanced Parameters.

3

Select Detection Cutoff

Choose 100 or 500 ng/mL cutoff matching your testing program.

4

Review Results

Check EtG concentration, detection status, clearance time, and recommendations.

5

Save to History

Optionally save calculation to track changes (stored locally).

Why Use the Urine EtG Calculator?

Urine-Specific Accuracy

Accounts for hydration, pH, and kidney function - factors unique to urine testing that can change EtG concentration by 40%+. Critical for accurate estimates.

Longest Detection Window

24-80h detection window, significantly longer than blood (12-24h) or saliva (6-12h). Preferred for workplace/legal monitoring but requires careful timing.

Dual Threshold Support

Supports both 100 ng/mL (standard) and 500 ng/mL (high threshold) cutoffs to match your testing program requirements.

Personalized Recommendations

Tailored advice based on your hydration, detection status, and clearance time. Actionable recommendations, not just numbers.

Track Your Progress

Save calculation history to monitor EtG changes over time. Compare scenarios and track clearance progress. All data stays private in your browser.

Science-Based Transparency

Based on peer-reviewed research (Wurst et al., 2015; SAMHSA, 2012). Exact formulas, adjustment factors, and assumptions shown. Understand the ±20-30% variation range.

Understanding the Parameters

Hydration Level

Hydration status affects urine concentration. Dehydration concentrates EtG (higher readings), over-hydration dilutes it (lower readings).

Dehydrated / Normal / Well-Hydrated / Over-Hydrated
Select 'Well-Hydrated' if drinking extra water.

Urine pH

Urine acidity/alkalinity affects EtG stability. Acidic (pH < 6) slightly increases stability, alkaline (pH > 7) may reduce it.

Acidic / Neutral / Alkaline
Most people have neutral pH.

Kidney Function

Kidney's ability to filter EtG affects clearance rate. Impaired function extends elimination half-life.

Normal / Mild Impairment / Moderate Impairment
Select impairment level if you have kidney issues.

Detection Cutoff

Testing facility threshold. 100 ng/mL is standard, 500 ng/mL is high threshold screening.

100 ng/mL (Standard) / 500 ng/mL (High)
Confirm which cutoff your program uses.

Urine EtG Calculation Formula

Scientific model with urine-specific adjustments

Peak Urine EtG Concentration

Estimates maximum EtG concentration. Gender factor: 12,000 (male), 14,000 (female), reflecting body water differences (Wurst et al., 2015).

Peak EtG = (Drinks × Gender Factor) / Body Weight (kg)

Example: 70kg male, 5 drinks: (5 × 12,000) / 70 = 857 ng/mL

Time-Adjusted EtG Concentration

Exponential decay model. Base half-life: 5h (SAMHSA, 2012). Kidney adjustment: normal (1.0×), mild impairment (1.15×), moderate (1.3×).

Current EtG = Peak EtG × 0.5^(Hours / Half-Life)

Example: After 24h, normal kidney: 857 × 0.5^(24/5) ≈ 30 ng/mL

Hydration Adjustment

Accounts for urine dilution. Factors: Dehydrated (1.3×), Normal (1.0×), Well-Hydrated (0.8×), Over-Hydrated (0.6×).

Adjusted EtG = Current EtG × Hydration Factor

Example: 30 ng/mL, well-hydrated: 30 × 0.8 = 24 ng/mL

pH Stability Adjustment

pH effects on stability. Factors: Acidic (1.05×), Neutral (1.0×), Alkaline (0.95×).

Final EtG = Adjusted EtG × pH Factor

Example: 24 ng/mL, neutral pH: 24 × 1.0 = 24 ng/mL

Clearance Time Estimation

Estimates hours to reach threshold using adjusted half-life.

Hours = Half-Life × log(Threshold / Current EtG) / log(0.5)

Example: 500→100 ng/mL, 5h half-life: 5 × log(100/500) / log(0.5) ≈ 11.6h

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does EtG stay in urine?

EtG can be detected in urine for 24-80 hours after drinking, depending on the amount consumed, your metabolism, and testing sensitivity. Light drinking (2-3 drinks) typically clears in 24-36 hours, while heavy drinking (10+ drinks) may take 72-96 hours or longer.

Why is the urine detection window longer than blood or saliva?

EtG concentrates in urine as your kidneys filter it from your blood. While blood EtG typically clears in 12-24 hours, urine continues to accumulate EtG during this period, extending the detection window. This makes urine testing more sensitive but also more affected by hydration and kidney function.

What's the difference between 100 ng/mL and 500 ng/mL cutoffs?

100 ng/mL is the standard cutoff used by most programs and is more sensitive, detecting lower levels of alcohol consumption. 500 ng/mL is a higher threshold used for less sensitive screening. The 100 ng/mL cutoff can detect 1-2 drinks for up to 24-36 hours, while 500 ng/mL typically requires more significant drinking to trigger.

Does first morning urine have higher EtG levels?

Yes, first morning urine is typically more concentrated because you haven't been drinking fluids overnight. This can result in higher EtG readings. If possible, provide a mid-day sample after normal hydration for more representative results.

How does urine pH affect EtG detection?

Urine pH affects EtG stability. Acidic urine (pH < 6) slightly increases EtG stability and may result in marginally higher readings. Alkaline urine (pH > 7) may reduce stability slightly. However, the effect is relatively small (±5%) compared to hydration and metabolism factors.

Will kidney problems extend my EtG detection window?

Yes, impaired kidney function reduces the rate at which EtG is eliminated from your body, effectively extending the half-life. Mild impairment may extend clearance time by 15%, while moderate impairment could extend it by 30% or more. If you have kidney issues, consult with a healthcare provider.

How accurate is this calculator?

This calculator is based on validated scientific models (Wurst et al., 2015; SAMHSA, 2012) and peer-reviewed research. However, individual metabolism varies by ±20-30% due to liver function, genetics, and overall health. Use estimates as a guide, not a guarantee. Always add a safety buffer before testing.

Can I use this calculator for legal or employment decisions?

This calculator is for educational purposes only. It should not be used as the sole basis for legal, employment, or medical decisions. Results are estimates with inherent uncertainty. For high-stakes situations, consult with a healthcare professional, attorney, or testing facility.

Important Disclaimer

This calculator provides estimates for educational purposes only, based on peer-reviewed research (Wurst et al., 2015; SAMHSA, 2012) and developed in consultation with medical professionals. Individual metabolism varies by ±20-30%. Results cannot replace official laboratory testing and should not be used as the sole basis for legal, employment, or medical decisions. For high-stakes situations, consult qualified healthcare providers, attorneys, or certified testing facilities. All calculations are performed locally in your browser - no personal data is transmitted to any server. History is stored only in your browser's local storage.