EtG testing, non-alcoholic beer and creatine levels
I have been court ordered to participate in random EtG alcohol testing. During the times in which I was drinking alcohol, my EtG levels were consistently >10,000. I did not realize that "NA" beer might register a positive result on these tests until it happened to me! I have not had an alcoholic beverage (not even a sip) since 2/28/2011. I do drink NA beer on occasion, and 5 of my 12 most recent Etg's (March 3-April 11) have been reported as positive. The EtG levels on 4 of them were 125-254 ng/mL, but one was 728 ng/mL. The tox lab is insisting that NA beer will never result in EtG levels over 500 ng/mL unless you drink "barrels full". Skinner website suggests I check out my creatine levels for this test as concentrated urine can increase EtG up to 15 times the actual level. Is this true? I am furiously attempting to gather documentation that points to NA beer consumption and EtG levels. I am sure that I didn't drink any real beer! Help!
Comment on DrBill100's post
Thank you for responding to my question Dr. Bill. The answer to you questions is that I am a 45 yr. old female. I was able to find out my urine creatinine level for the particular test in question - it was 190.5. Could this level have affected my EtG/EtS? I have a court hearing on May2 and am desperately seeking information in my defense of sobriety. How could I go about contacting an expert/toxicologist that would provide me with a written letter defending my claim? Thank you again. (sorry I posted in the "answer" area the first time is sent this!)
Comment on DrBill100's post
EtG 753 ng/mL; EtS 255 ng/mL
Comment on DrBill100's post
Again please, how could I get a written letter from an "expert" or toxicologist supporting your information? Thank you!
Comment on DrBill100's post
I do an attorney. Her experience regarding testing is that the Court places weight on the ua information. She believes that what I say or she can argue as "lay" people would not carry significant weight with the Court. I disagree. Without having a lab that will sustantiate my claims re-test the specimen, I doubt that any or their toxicologists would prove a letter in my support. I will share this information with my legal counsel and go from there - I can't thank you enough for your help!
Comment on Altenweg's post
NA beer does have 0.5% like you stated - I'm sure that consumption can register a positive EtG level as it has now happened to me. Important to note is that ethyl alcohol found in incidental items (such as NA beer and wine, mouthwash, OTC medications, hand sanitizer, paint thinner, even some food products). Can be compounding. This means that your EtG level will increase with each use of any of these items.