I had 2 vodka shots and a wine cooler between 8:30pm and 10:30 pm the evening before. I was called the next day and told I had to take an EtG test for work by 5:00 pm that day. Do I have a shot in hell of passing? I drank a lot of water, went to the sauna, and did the Stinger detox. Any chance in hell I'll pass?

Not likely. 18 hours is about the amount of time required to clear one drink. But it's possible that the water and other liquid might have worked. The test is very sensitive to water.

It's unusual to use EtG in the workplace. Are you sure you have the test right?

Not likely. 18 hours is about the amount of time required to clear one drink. But it's possible that the water and other liquid might have worked. The test is very sensitive to water.

It's unusual to use EtG in the workplace. Are you sure you have the test right?
Yes I am positive my boss gave me a form and on the form it was printed test for ETG. They normally do the dipstick form of testing test is totally new. I did drink about 2 gallons of water throughout the day. But in all likelihood I am doomed huh?

Yes I am positive my boss gave me a form and on the form it was printed test for ETG. They normally do the dipstick form of testing test is totally new. I did drink about 2 gallons of water throughout the day. But in all likelihood I am doomed huh?
I also have another question that I didn't even think to put in the initial question. I have had a cold as well. I didn't take any NyQuil that night but I did take it the 3 previous nights. Would NyQuil affect the alcohol levels on this type of test?

I also have another question that I didn't even think to put in the initial question. I have had a cold as well. I didn't take any NyQuil that night but I did take it the 3 previous nights. Would NyQuil affect the alcohol levels on this type of test?

Yes it does. NyQuil contains 10% alcohol. However, the amount of EtG created would be cleared in less than 12 hours following each dose.

I just picked up on this:

They normally do the dipstick form of testing test is totally new. I did drink about 2 gallons of water throughout the day

There is no dip-stick test for EtG!

I'm also still confused about use in workplace. EtG does not detect alcohol so can't be used for impairment testing. Is there a requirement that you not drink at all?

Yes it does. NyQuil contains 10% alcohol. However, the amount of EtG created would be cleared in less than 12 hours following each dose.

I just picked up on this:


There is no dip-stick test for EtG!

I'm also still confused about use in workplace. EtG does not detect alcohol so can't be used for impairment testing. Is there a requirement that you not drink at all?
Yes, for the 30 day probationary period we are not to drink. So they were testing me for other drugs with the dipstick I presume. I didn't ask what they were testing for I just took the test. This test specifically said ETG testing and I had to go to a lab. Could I use the excuse that I took te NyQuil and be valid?

Yes, for the 30 day probationary period we are not to drink. So they were testing me for other drugs with the dipstick I presume. I didn't ask what they were testing for I just took the test. This test specifically said ETG testing and I had to go to a lab. Could I use the excuse that I took te NyQuil and be valid?
So in reality I am looking at the 3 drinks and no possibility of passing?

So in reality I am looking at the 3 drinks and no possibility of passing?

Never give up with an EtG test. The water may have pulled you through.

More than likely your test will come back as hydrated. Did you stop drinking the over-kill of 2 gallons of water at least 2-3 hours before test? If not, your urine test will probably be invalid, and you will be re-tested.

My advice - if you like this job, do not drink for the remainder of the probationary time. 30 days is a minimal amount of time in comparison to your life span.

Also, remember, it is your LEGAL RIGHT to know what they are testing you for.

More than likely your test will come back as hydrated. Did you stop drinking the over-kill of 2 gallons of water at least 2-3 hours before test? If not, your urine test will probably be invalid, and you will be re-tested.

My advice - if you like this job, do not drink for the remainder of the probationary time. 30 days is a minimal amount of time in comparison to your life span.

Also, remember, it is your LEGAL RIGHT to know what they are testing you for.

More than likely your test will come back as hydrated. Did you stop drinking the over-kill of 2 gallons of water at least 2-3 hours before test? If not, your urine test will probably be invalid, and you will be re-tested.

My advice - if you like this job, do not drink for the remainder of the probationary time. 30 days is a minimal amount of time in comparison to your life span.

Also, remember, it is your LEGAL RIGHT to know what they are testing you for.

Just wanted to give you an update I did pass the test. And yes I realize it is my legal right to know what they are testing me for however it wasn't a concern. I don't use any illegal substances. However, the EtG test was a surprise. I assumed all the testing was over. Having a few drinks at the end of the day isn't behavior that I see as a problem. I think it is overkill my workplace requires a test that goes back 80 hours! If I don't come to work under the influence it should be none of their business what I do on my personal time. Alcohol is legal and I have spoken to an attorney regarding having to submit to a test that displays prior drinking rather than current under the influence situations which would be dangerous on the jobsite. I I have a beer or two after work it has no consequence to how I function on the jobsite. Its all bull if you ask me!

Well did you pass? We are all curious ;)

Just wanted to give you an update I did pass the test. And yes I realize it is my legal right to know what they are testing me for however it wasn't a concern. I don't use any illegal substances. However, the etg test was a surprise. I assumed all the testing was over. Having a few drinks at the end of the day isn't behavior that I see as a problem. I think it is overkill my workplace requires a test that goes back 80 hours! If I don't come to work under the influence it should be none of their business what I do on my personal time. Alcohol is legal and I have spoken to an attorney regarding having to submit to a test that displays prior drinking rather than current under the influence situations which would be dangerous on the jobsite. I I have a beer or two after work it has no consequence to how I function on the jobsite. Its all bull if you ask me!

I agree that EtG is inappropriate for workplace testing and isn't allowed under the federal program, DOT, etc. I can't imagine that their written policy guidelines allows this (they are required to have a drug test policy in writing) and EtG testing is never a drug test it is always classed as a medical examination.

I'm also surprised that you passed at that time interval. Were you provided a copy of the results?

More than likely your test will come back as hydrated. Did you stop drinking the over-kill of 2 gallons of water at least 2-3 hours before test? If not, your urine test will probably be invalid, and you will be re-tested.

My advice - if you like this job, do not drink for the remainder of the probationary time. 30 days is a minimal amount of time in comparison to your life span.

Also, remember, it is your LEGAL RIGHT to know what they are testing you for.

That's very informative azula.

That's very informative azula.

No I wasn't given a copy. I just received a phone call stating that I could return to work. I currently live in New Mexico, I moved from Los Angeles California. New Mexico is far from progressive. It doesn't surprise me that they would cram this EtG test in with a drug test policy. No one here asked questions.