An EtG test detects ethyl glucuronide, a substance the body makes when it breaks down alcohol. Because EtG stays in urine long after the alcohol itself is gone, it shows whether someone has been drinking over the past few days, not just the past few hours.
How EtG testing works
When a person drinks, a small portion of the alcohol is converted into EtG, which is then passed in urine. A breathalyzer only detects alcohol still in the body, usually within hours. An EtG urine test looks for the marker left behind, which makes it much better for monitoring abstinence.
How long does EtG stay in urine?
- Light drinking: usually detectable for about 1 to 2 days.
- Heavy drinking: can be detected for up to about 80 hours.
The exact window depends on how much was consumed, the person's metabolism and hydration, and the test's cutoff level. See our full detection times chart.
Understanding EtG cutoff levels
The cutoff is the concentration at which the test reads positive. Lower cutoffs catch smaller amounts of drinking for longer, but they are also more likely to pick up incidental exposure.
- 500 ng/mL: our EtG test strips use this cutoff. It balances sensitivity with fewer incidental positives.
- 300 ng/mL: used on our 20 panel cup, for a slightly more sensitive screen.
Can EtG tests give a false positive?
EtG tests are very sensitive, so heavy exposure to products that contain alcohol can sometimes produce a low-level positive. Common sources include:
- Alcohol-based hand sanitizer used heavily and repeatedly
- Mouthwash that contains alcohol
- Some cough syrups and other liquid medications
- "Non-alcoholic" beer and wine, which can still contain small amounts of alcohol
Programs that use EtG testing often ask participants to avoid these products and confirm any disputed result with a laboratory test.
Who uses EtG tests
EtG testing is standard in sober living homes, treatment programs, and court and probation monitoring, anywhere abstinence from alcohol is required. Standard drug panels do not detect alcohol, so EtG is either added as a separate strip or built into the cup.
EtG products
EtG Alcohol Test Strips
Single-drug dip strips. Add alcohol testing to any drug test.
Shop EtG Strips12 Panel Cup with EtG
Drug and alcohol testing in one cup at our lowest cost per test.
Shop 12 Panel CupsOrdering for a house, program or company?
Volume pricing starts at 25 units and gets better at 50, 75 and 100. For standing orders or 500+ units, call (866) 407-2832 or email sales@drugtestsdirect.com for a quote.
Request a Bulk QuoteFrequently asked questions
Does an EtG test show if someone is drunk right now?
No. EtG shows drinking in the past few days, not current impairment. Use a breathalyzer to check current intoxication.
How long after one drink will an EtG test be positive?
A single drink is usually detectable for up to about a day, depending on the person and the cutoff level.
Can hand sanitizer cause a positive EtG test?
Heavy, repeated use of alcohol-based sanitizer can produce low EtG levels. The 500 ng/mL cutoff on our strips reduces the chance of an incidental positive.
Do regular drug test cups detect alcohol?
Only if they include an EtG panel. Our standard 12, 13, 14, 16, 18 and 20 panel cups include EtG.
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.