Quick Answer: How Long Is ETG Detectable?
ETG (Ethyl Glucuronide) can be detected in urine for 24-80 hours after drinking. The exact window depends on how much you drank.
- Light drinking (1-2 drinks): detectable for 24-48 hours
- Moderate drinking (3-5 drinks): detectable for 48-72 hours
- Heavy drinking (6+ drinks): detectable for 72-80+ hours
Want to know your specific timeline? Use our free calculator:
Quick ETG Check
Instant estimation (No data saved)
High Probability of Detection
Estimated 10 more hours until low risk (<100ng/mL).
*This is an estimation only. Individual results vary. Not legal or medical advice.
Detection Time by Drinking Level
Here's what peer-reviewed research shows for typical detection windows:
Light Drinking
1-2 DrinksFriday happy hour → clear by Sunday morning
Moderate Drinking
3-5 DrinksSaturday party → clear by Tuesday morning
Heavy Drinking
6+ DrinksHeavy weekend → may not clear until Wednesday
Important: These are averages based on clinical studies. Your actual detection time could be 20-30% shorter or longer based on individual factors.
Why Detection Times Vary
The "80-hour detection window" you see everywhere is a maximum, not a typical result. Here's why your detection time might be different:
Individual Metabolism
Your liver processes ETG. Some people have faster-working livers than others:
- Liver health — A healthy liver clears ETG faster
- Age — Metabolism typically slows after 40
- Genetics — Some people naturally produce more of the enzymes that break down ETG
Hydration Level
Water doesn't "flush" ETG from your system, but it does affect test results:
- Well-hydrated: More dilute urine, lower ng/mL reading
- Dehydrated: Concentrated urine, higher ng/mL reading
Note: Labs can detect overly diluted samples. Extreme water intake may flag your test as inconclusive.
Test Sensitivity (Cutoff Levels)
Different tests use different thresholds:
| Cutoff | Common Use | Detection Window |
|---|---|---|
| 500 ng/mL | Employment, DOT tests | Shorter (24-60 hours) |
| 300 ng/mL | Some workplace programs | Medium (36-72 hours) |
| 100 ng/mL | Probation, court-ordered | Longer (48-80+ hours) |
The same amount of drinking will show positive longer on a 100 ng/mL test than a 500 ng/mL test.
Body Composition
- Body weight — Larger bodies have more fluid volume, distributing ETG across more tissue
- Sex — Women typically show higher peak ETG levels than men for the same amount of alcohol
- Body fat — More muscle mass may correlate with faster metabolism
Common Misconceptions
Before diving into the science, let's clear up some myths that could get you into trouble:
Myth 1: The "80 Hour" Rule Applies to Everyone
The 80-hour figure comes from studies of heavy drinkers (6+ drinks). For light to moderate drinking, detection windows are much shorter. A single glass of wine? You're likely clear in 24-36 hours at standard cutoffs.
Myth 2: Drinking Water Speeds Up Elimination
This is a big one. Water dilutes your urine sample but does not speed up ETG elimination. Your liver processes ETG at a fixed rate—about 2-3 hour half-life—regardless of how much water you drink. And labs can detect overly diluted samples.
Myth 3: Online Calculators Are Always Accurate
Calculators (including ours) provide estimates based on population averages. Individual variation is significant—your results could differ by 20-30%. Always add buffer time for tests that matter.
The Science Behind Detection Times
ETG detection follows exponential decay, similar to radioactive half-life. Your ETG level drops by approximately half every 2-3 hours. This pharmacokinetic model is well-established in clinical literature.
Example: After 4 drinks, you might peak at 20,000 ng/mL:
| Hours Since Peak | ETG Level | 500 ng/mL Test | 100 ng/mL Test |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 hours | 10,000 ng/mL | ❌ Fail | ❌ Fail |
| 12 hours | ~1,250 ng/mL | ❌ Fail | ❌ Fail |
| 18 hours | ~312 ng/mL | ✅ Pass | ❌ Fail |
| 24 hours | ~78 ng/mL | ✅ Pass | ✅ Pass |
This is why detection times vary so much based on consumption amount—more drinks mean a higher peak, which takes longer to decay below the cutoff.
For the detailed formula, see our ETG Calculation Formula page.
What This Means For You
Look, we get it—you're probably here because you have a test coming up and you're stressed. Here's some straight talk:
- Find out your cutoff level first — This is the single most important factor. Ask directly if you can, or assume 100 ng/mL if it's court-ordered.
- Be honest with yourself about how much you drank — Underestimating won't help you. Count every drink.
- Add buffer time — Whatever estimate you get, add 25%. If the calculator says 48 hours, plan for 60.
- The stakes matter — A failed employment test is recoverable. A failed probation test is not. Act accordingly.
- Don't try to beat the system — Labs are sophisticated. Dilution, adulterants, and substitution attempts are detectable and often carry worse consequences than a positive result.
Scientific References
The detection times on this page are based on peer-reviewed research:
- Wurst FM, et al. (2006). "Ethyl glucuronide: On the time course of excretion in urine during detoxification." Addiction Biology, 11(3):340-348.
- Helander A, Beck O. (2005). "Ethyl sulfate: A metabolite of ethanol in humans and a potential biomarker of acute alcohol intake." Journal of Analytical Toxicology, 29(5):270-274.
- SAMHSA (2012). "The Role of Biomarkers in the Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorders." Advisory.
Related Resources
- ETG Calculator — Get a personalized estimate
- ETG Detection Time Chart — Visual breakdown by drinks
- Realistic ETG Detection Times — In-depth guide
- ETG Calculation Formula — The science behind the math
After a single standard drink, ETG is typically detectable for 24-48 hours. At the standard 500 ng/mL cutoff, most people will test negative within 24-36 hours. At the stricter 100 ng/mL cutoff (used in probation), detection may extend to 36-48 hours. Individual metabolism varies, so add buffer time for important tests.
It depends on how much you drank. For 1-2 drinks, 48 hours is usually enough to pass both 500 ng/mL and 100 ng/mL tests. For 3-5 drinks, 48 hours may be sufficient for 500 ng/mL but risky for 100 ng/mL. For 6+ drinks, 48 hours is often not enough—you may need 60-80+ hours.
The 80-hour figure represents the maximum detection window observed in studies, typically after heavy drinking (6+ drinks). For light to moderate drinking, actual detection windows are much shorter (24-48 hours). The 80-hour number is a worst-case scenario, not a typical result.
No. Water doesn't speed up ETG elimination—your liver processes it at a fixed rate. Drinking water only dilutes your urine, which may lower the ng/mL reading but doesn't reduce total ETG in your system. Labs can detect overly diluted samples, which may be flagged as inconclusive or trigger a retest.
These are sensitivity thresholds. A 500 ng/mL test (common for employment) only registers positive if your ETG exceeds 500 ng/mL. A 100 ng/mL test (used for probation/court) is 5x more sensitive, detecting much lower levels. The same drinking episode will show positive longer on a 100 ng/mL test.
Estimates are based on medical research averages and are reasonably accurate for planning purposes. However, individual variation means your actual detection time could be 20-30% shorter or longer. Factors like liver health, genetics, and body composition all affect results. For important tests, always add buffer time.
This page is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical or legal advice. Individual results vary significantly. Consult a healthcare provider or legal professional for guidance specific to your situation.