Peth Testing -- How long is it testable after drinking?
I am in recovery from alcoholism but slipped a few weeks ago. Prior to this episode of drinking, I had four months of continuous absolute sobriety.
I drank on (5) occasions over about a two-week period and I estimate I consumed a Grand Total of approximately 550 grams of alcohol. (This was spread over a two-night spree consuming about 200 grams, 4 days off, another two-night spree consuming about 200 grams, another 6 days off, and ending with a one-night spree consuming about 150 grams. I calculated this based on the number of drinks I had consumed times the average-sized US drink equivalent of 14 grams per serving.)
Three weeks and one day after my last drink, I submitted to a Peth test as part of my recovery monitoring. I feel pretty safe, but I am a little concerned whether I will pass it. Besides having three weeks of complete abstinence prior to the Peth test, it had been five total weeks since I had begun that period of drinking.
Oh, per the recent posting from DrBill100, the lab doing the testing is USDTL if anyone wonders what testing parameters or methodology is used. And the desk done was a blood spot test (finger-prick and collected drops on sampling card.)
From what I have read on the web, it appears the likely "window" for positive Peth testing is anywhere from 2-4 weeks with an average of 3 weeks. One study I read showed that "chronic alcoholics" had positive results after 14 days of abstinence.
Compared to where I was in alcoholism a few years ago, I certainly wouldn't characterize the drinking spree I just did as "chronic" although it was definitely "heavy" at times (up to 11 drinks at one sitting but sometimes as little as 4.) But I also took 4 days and then 6 days off in the middle of it which seems it would have allowed my body to process the alcohol more effectively than someone who drank daily over the two-week period. Right? Does anyone know?
I also realize that if I had done the last binge (single day of 11 drinks) by itself, it likely would have shown up as long as 14 days later but not very likely for longer. The reason I am concerned is because I had the two previous weeks where I had drank so I know my Peth levels did not start at ZERO on the last day of my drinking.
For metabolic calculations, I am a 48 year-old male, 5'10" tall, and about 180 lbs. However, my metabolism has been working harder the past few weeks since I was coincidentally trying to lose some weight and have lost about 1 1/2 lbs average per week over the past month. Will the increased metabolism help me to have burned off the alcohol and residual Peth more quickly?
Please, no lectures on just "putting the plug in the jug". I am trying to comply with my program but quitting isn't easy and especially if you are in a strict monitoring program which is pushing you to be totally abstinent. I am a willing but very reluctant participant. Also, if you are concerned about aiding-and-abetting me in my addiction, don't worry. I have no plans to further try to "game" the system and am recommitting to working a good program regardless of the outcome of this test. I just would like some reassurance that I don't have to freak out while I am waiting to learn the results.