There are three common ways to test for alcohol, and they answer different questions. A breathalyzer tells you if someone has alcohol in their system right now. An EtG urine test tells you if they have been drinking over the past few days.
Comparison
| EtG urine test | Breathalyzer | Saliva alcohol test | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it detects | EtG, a marker left after drinking | Alcohol in the breath | Alcohol in saliva |
| How far back | Up to about 80 hours after heavy drinking | A few hours, while alcohol is in the body | A few hours |
| Shows current impairment? | No | Yes, estimates blood alcohol | Roughly |
| Best for | Monitoring abstinence | Checking someone right now | Quick on-site checks |
When to use EtG testing
EtG is the best choice when the goal is abstinence, as in sober living homes, treatment programs and court monitoring. Because alcohol itself leaves the body within hours, a breathalyzer can easily miss drinking from the night before. EtG will usually catch it. Read how EtG testing works.
When to use a breathalyzer
Use a breathalyzer when you need to know whether someone is under the influence at this moment, for example before a shift in a safety-sensitive job or when a resident returns to the house showing signs of drinking.
Using both
Many programs use EtG for routine monitoring and keep a breathalyzer for immediate checks. An EtG test can also be run on the same urine sample as a drug test, either with an EtG strip or a cup that includes EtG.
12 Panel Cup with EtG
Drug and alcohol testing in one cup.
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Request a Bulk QuoteFrequently asked questions
Can a breathalyzer detect drinking from last night?
Often not. Alcohol usually clears the breath within hours. An EtG urine test is better at detecting recent drinking.
Does an EtG test show if someone is drunk?
No. EtG shows past drinking, not current impairment.
How far back does an EtG test go?
Up to about 80 hours after heavy drinking, less after light drinking.
Can I test for alcohol and drugs at the same time?
Yes. Use a cup with an EtG panel, or add an EtG strip to the same sample.
Related guides
- What is an EtG alcohol test?
- How long do drugs stay in urine?
- How to write a sober living drug testing policy
Instant urine tests give preliminary results. Confirm any preliminary positive with a laboratory test (such as GC/MS) before taking action. Always follow the package insert.