An EtG Urine Analysis does not test for the presence of ethanol alcohol, as other tests do. In instead, it tests for the metabolite ethanol breaks down into; Ethyl glucuronide. Hence, this method can be used to check for alcohol consumption up to 80 hours after ingesting ethanol alcohol.
Ethyl glucuronide can only be detected after breaking down ethanol, and so cannot be confused with substances fermenting within the body. As EtG can be detected in small amounts, it can differentiate between alcohol consumption and transfers such as the use of alcohol-based hand disinfectants. It is used as a biomarker in cases where alcohol is prohibited. Its slow degradation in urine means that it can provide accurate results three or four days after the initial consumption.
However, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) state that this examination alone is ‘scientifically unsupportable’ and ‘inappropriate’ as a sole means of definitively causing legal or disciplinary action against an individual. SAMHSA claim the test operates at levels which are too sensitive, and that a false positive can occur due to exposition to common household or commercial products.
Alcohol leaves the body in two ways; through the breath - which is how breathalysers can be used to test of alcohol - and by being metabolised. To flush alcohol from your system, it is important to drink plenty of water. Alcohol is a dehydrator, and the pounding headache of the morning after is a result of this. Juices and teas also dilute the toxic substance, making it easier for the body to break down. Exercise helps the body to flush alcohol, as it breaks down the toxins stored in fat cells.
Ethyl glucuronide can only be detected after breaking down ethanol, and so cannot be confused with substances fermenting within the body. As EtG can be detected in small amounts, it can differentiate between alcohol consumption and transfers such as the use of alcohol-based hand disinfectants. It is used as a biomarker in cases where alcohol is prohibited. Its slow degradation in urine means that it can provide accurate results three or four days after the initial consumption.
However, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) state that this examination alone is ‘scientifically unsupportable’ and ‘inappropriate’ as a sole means of definitively causing legal or disciplinary action against an individual. SAMHSA claim the test operates at levels which are too sensitive, and that a false positive can occur due to exposition to common household or commercial products.
Alcohol leaves the body in two ways; through the breath - which is how breathalysers can be used to test of alcohol - and by being metabolised. To flush alcohol from your system, it is important to drink plenty of water. Alcohol is a dehydrator, and the pounding headache of the morning after is a result of this. Juices and teas also dilute the toxic substance, making it easier for the body to break down. Exercise helps the body to flush alcohol, as it breaks down the toxins stored in fat cells.