Dr. Bill -

I messed up and went to a party and drank last Thursday. My question is this-if I had 5 or 6 beers and two shots, the first drink being at around 8pm and the last beer being at around 3 am Friday morning, where does this put me, risk wise, at failing a Monday EtG test? I'll probably be taking the test Monday afternoon, so I'll be at around 80 hours since the last drink was consumed. I've read so many contradicting stories, but I have liked all of the advice and opinions I've seen you offer.

Bottom line is I'm not messing around with this anymore. Lesson learned. I've freaked myself out enough to learn from it.

You should be OK. Based on your description, you consumed 8 drinks across a period of 7 hours. Rate of consumption is very important as alcohol is metabolized at a standard rate and EtG is a late stage direct metabolite of that process.

As example, after you consume your first drink it is being metabolized even as you are drinking the second. Spaced consumption keeps BAC low, peak EtG also, as EtG is created in the Phase II process of ethanol metabolism.

In summary, this reduces to your BAC at the time of your last drink (systemic alcohol). Should have been moderate.

With no more information, I would estimate EtG elimination in the range of 36 hours to a maximum of 60 hours.

My information is based on aggregating all available peer reviewed studies of EtG/EtS. I eschew marketing claims that issue from the commercial drug testing field as well as popular media reports.

Nonetheless, EtG testing is unreliable as currently utilized (as even it's proponents acknowledge), and should never be relied upon singularly to determine alcohol consumption. The validity of the test is zero.

So my advice, while studied, isn't much better than the random information you have obtained. The test and testing systems are fundamentally flawed and unpredictable. I'm telling you how things should be based on carefully controlled studies. Not necessarily what the results may show. Generally, that is in your favor. False negatives are frequent.

I certainly understand your confusion in trying to interpret the various claims and stories available on the web.

Thank you Doc... this helped to put my mind at ease. Believe me. I feel stupid and regretful. I appreciate your advice and knowledge!

So I should relax and not sweat my error too much?

Anytime you are subjected to an EtG test you should be concerned whether you have been drinking. As to this drinking session, it probably isn't of particular concern.

Let me know the results.

It usually tests up to three days

If I consumed a 16 oz budlight on tues at 9pm and took an EtG test on thurs at 5pm will I pass

I just wanted to post my experience. I am a monitored health care professional but I do not consider myself an alcoholic so I take the liberty to enjoy alcoholic beverages at my discretion. I am a mid 20's 170lb, WM with good health. I have passed a 100 ng cutoff EtG test 66 hours after consuming 150ml of 80 proof vodka in about an hour.