Select Drinking Scenario
Social drinking scenario: 2 standard beers (5% ABV) consumed over 1 hour. Typical for casual social events.
Scenario Parameters
| Scenario Name | Light Drinking |
| Number of Drinks | 2 standard drinks |
| Body Weight | 70 kg |
| Gender | male |
| Alcohol Content (ABV) | 5% |
| Drinking Duration | 1 hours |
| Peak EtG Concentration | ~343 ng/mL |
Understanding the Chart
Rising Phase (0-12 hours)
EtG is produced during alcohol metabolism. Concentration increases as your body processes ethanol into EtG.
Peak Phase (6-24 hours)
EtG concentration reaches its maximum level. Peak timing varies based on drinking duration and amount.
Declining Phase (24-120 hours)
EtG is metabolized and eliminated from the body. Concentration decreases exponentially with a half-life of ~5 hours.
Detection Thresholds
- 100 ng/mL: Standard threshold for forensic and legal testing (higher sensitivity)
- 500 ng/mL: Common threshold for workplace screening (reduces false positives)
How to Read the EtG Detection Time Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
EtG is produced during alcohol metabolism, not present in the original drink. As your body processes ethanol, it converts some of it into EtG, which accumulates in your system. Peak levels typically occur 6-24 hours after drinking, depending on the amount consumed and drinking duration. After the peak, EtG gradually decreases as it's eliminated through urine.
The 100 ng/mL threshold is used for forensic and legal testing because it offers higher sensitivity and can detect smaller amounts of alcohol consumption. The 500 ng/mL threshold is commonly used for workplace screening programs to reduce false positives from incidental alcohol exposure (like hand sanitizer or mouthwash). Your test type determines which threshold applies to you.
This chart shows typical scenarios based on scientific models, but your actual detection time may vary by ±20-30% due to individual factors. Metabolism rate, hydration level, kidney function, and body composition all affect how quickly you process EtG. Use this chart as a general guide, but add a safety buffer of 24-48 hours for important tests.
Higher alcohol intake produces proportionally more EtG, which takes longer to metabolize and eliminate. The relationship isn't linear - doubling your drinks more than doubles the detection window. Heavy drinking scenarios can extend detection times to 80-120 hours (3-5 days) at the 100 ng/mL threshold, compared to 24-36 hours for light drinking.
This chart is based on published scientific studies (Wurst et al., 2006; Helander et al., 2009) and uses validated pharmacokinetic models. The general trends and detection windows are scientifically accurate. However, individual lab results may vary due to test sensitivity, sample timing, and personal metabolism. Always consult your testing facility for specific guidance.
Currently, the charts are interactive and display-only for optimal viewing experience. You can take screenshots for personal reference. For personalized results you can save, use our main EtG Calculator which provides detailed reports based on your specific parameters. We're considering adding download functionality in future updates.