Frequently Asked Questions About EtG Testing

An EtG (Ethyl Glucuronide) test is a urine screening that detects a direct metabolite of alcohol. Unlike breathalyzers that measure current intoxication, EtG tests reveal whether someone consumed alcohol within the past 2 to 4 days. Courts, probation officers, treatment programs, and employers use EtG testing because it provides a longer detection window than traditional methods.

When you drink alcohol, your liver converts ethanol into several metabolites. One of these is ethyl glucuronide (EtG), which binds to glucuronic acid and gets filtered through your kidneys into urine. Laboratories use immunoassay screening or LC-MS/MS confirmation to measure EtG concentration in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). Most tests use one of two cutoff levels: 500 ng/mL (standard sensitivity) or 100 ng/mL (high sensitivity).

Our calculator uses peer-reviewed research on EtG half-life and metabolism to generate realistic estimates. It accounts for standard drink count, body weight, biological sex, time since last drink, and test cutoff level. However, individual results vary due to factors like hydration, liver function, and genetic differences. We strongly recommend adding a 12 to 24-hour safety buffer beyond the calculated clearance time.

The typical detection window for EtG in urine is 24 to 80 hours after your last drink, depending on several factors: Light drinking (1-3 standard drinks) typically clears in 24-48 hours, moderate drinking (4-6 drinks) in 48-72 hours, and heavy drinking (7+ drinks) in 72-80+ hours. High-sensitivity tests (100 ng/mL cutoff) extend this window compared to standard tests (500 ng/mL).

It depends on how much you drank and which test sensitivity your program uses. For most people who consumed 3 or fewer standard drinks, EtG levels drop below 500 ng/mL within 36 to 48 hours. However, if you drank heavily (6+ drinks), face a high-sensitivity test (100 ng/mL), or have slower metabolism, then 48 hours may not be enough. Use our calculator to determine whether 48 hours provides adequate clearance for your situation.

Under extreme conditions—such as binge drinking followed by a 100 ng/mL test—EtG can remain detectable for up to 80 to 120 hours (3 to 5 days). This occurs when someone consumes a very large quantity of alcohol (10+ drinks), the test uses the most sensitive cutoff (100 ng/mL), and the individual has slower-than-average metabolism. Most standard scenarios clear within 48 to 72 hours.

No. Drinking water dilutes your urine but does not speed up the metabolic breakdown of EtG. Your liver processes EtG at a fixed rate determined by enzyme activity, which hydration cannot accelerate. However, excessive water intake can trigger a 'dilute sample' flag, which some programs treat as a failed test. Drink normal amounts of water—enough to stay hydrated but not so much that your urine becomes nearly colorless.

Yes. Both factors influence how your body distributes and processes alcohol. Heavier individuals have more body water, which dilutes alcohol and lowers peak EtG concentration. Biological sex also matters: females typically have lower body water percentages than males of the same weight, meaning women often reach higher EtG peaks from identical drink counts, extending detection windows. Our calculator adjusts for both variables.

True false positives from food or medication are extremely rare with modern EtG testing. However, certain products can introduce trace amounts of alcohol: hand sanitizers (skin absorption with heavy use), mouthwash (swallowing or excessive use), kombucha and fermented foods (trace alcohol from fermentation), and over-the-counter medications like cough syrups. If you must use these products, choose alcohol-free versions during your testing period.

If you consumed alcohol on consecutive days, EtG levels accumulate. For example, drinking 4 beers on Day 1 and 3 beers on Day 2 means your body must eliminate the combined total, which extends the detection window significantly. Use the calculator separately for each drinking session, then add the clearance times together. Better yet, wait at least 80 hours after your final drink before testing.

The cutoff level determines how sensitive the test is. A 500 ng/mL test is standard sensitivity with a shorter detection window (24-48 hours for light drinking), commonly used for probation and employment screening. A 100 ng/mL test is high sensitivity with a longer detection window (48-80+ hours), used in treatment programs, DUI monitoring, and zero-tolerance policies. Always confirm which cutoff your program uses.

Check these sources: court or probation documents (the sentencing order often specifies the cutoff), treatment program handbook (facilities typically list their testing protocols), ask your case manager or probation officer directly, or check the laboratory requisition form if you receive a copy. When in doubt, assume the 100 ng/mL (high-sensitivity) standard and plan accordingly.

Unlikely but possible under specific conditions. Hand sanitizer: dermal absorption is minimal; you would need to apply large quantities repeatedly. Most cases involve ingestion, not normal use. Mouthwash: swishing and spitting is generally safe, but swallowing alcohol-based mouthwash or using it excessively can introduce enough ethanol to produce low EtG levels. If you are subject to testing, switch to alcohol-free alternatives.

One standard drink in the United States contains 14 grams of pure alcohol, which equals: 12 oz of beer (5% ABV), 5 oz of wine (12% ABV), or 1.5 oz of distilled spirits (40% ABV / 80 proof). Many drinks exceed these amounts. For example, a pint (16 oz) of craft beer (7% ABV) equals 1.9 standard drinks. Use our Standard Drink Guide to convert any beverage into accurate standard drink counts.

Absolutely. The calculator provides an estimate based on average metabolism. Individual variation means your actual clearance time could be 10 to 20% longer. We recommend adding: 12 hours for low-risk situations (light drinking, 500 ng/mL test), 24 hours for moderate-risk situations (moderate drinking, 100 ng/mL test), and 36+ hours for high-risk situations (heavy drinking, zero-tolerance programs).

If you enter your data and the calculator shows zero remaining hours, it means your estimated EtG level has already dropped below the selected cutoff. However, this assumes you counted drinks accurately, entered the correct time since your last sip, and your metabolism matches average rates. Even when the calculator shows clearance, consider waiting an additional 12 hours if the test has serious consequences.