Originally Posted by
LexLu
So then if I've been regularly taking Nyquil for the past 2 weeks at night (due to a severe cold).... it would show up that I'm an alcoholic right?
Not really. The EtG test cannot determine even the amount of consumption or when consumed.
If the test is properly conducted
and you are positive for EtG in the initial screen, then a confirmatory test should be performed. The second test would quantify the amount of EtG present. From the small amount of alcohol you consumed that count should be low (even considering the wine).
Unfortunately, the testing labs offer a screen only and that is particularly true in employment testing. In that circumstance that simply relies on the initial screen, either
positive or
negative. Under that scenario it can't be determined if you used mouthwash or have been drunk for a month. So in the event they report simply a
positive result then you must immediately request a confirmation test.
There is always a chance that your test will be negative. With very low alcohol consumption it is a matter of timing. Just guessing, if there was a 10-12 hour time lapse from the time you took the nyquil it probably won't show. The time span on the glass of wine would be about 18 hours. (both assuming 100 ng cutoff)
It will also depend on the cutoff of the test, 100 or 500. At 500 cutoff your result could very well be negative, once again based on timing.
My problem with your case is that no one seems to know what's going on. Your production of the Nyquil and advice about drinking wine negates the need and purpose of the test. If that basic misunderstanding exists, what further errors in interpretation will occur?
Also, there are blood tests that can rule out heavy drinking. If it comes to that then you could request that assay.