[SmokeMonster]

I had a question about a link you posted concerning ETG/ETS Tests. http://alcalc.oxfordjournals.org/content/44/1/55.full.pdf+html. On page 59, what does the g/kg alcohol number mean? How many g/kg is in 3 to 4 standard 12 oz. 4.5% alcohol beers? Or, for each. Also, how common are these tests used? Are they mostly bigger, more heavily funded places like large cities and for alcohol rehab programs?

[DrBill100]

In order to standardize individual dosage results some researchers administer alcohol in proportion to body weight of the subjects i.e. x grams per kg of body weight. That's a control measure and probably isn't of importance to your question. So you can ignore that part of the test report. The report simply shows the elimination term (window of detection) for EtG in a number of subjects that consumed approximately the same amount of alcohol.

EtG testing has become very common in circumstances that require total abstinence. That is the only value of the test as it cannot be used to determine degree of intoxication or impairment. Blood tests, breathalyzers are used for that purpose. EtG is used to detect past alcohol consumption across a longer period.

I think you may have been thrown off by the g/kg ratio above. Beer is measured in the US by oz and the important element is the alcohol content by volume (abv). In other words how much total alcohol you consumed. If I've misinterpreted your question, let me know.

[SmokeMonster]

Yes, you answered it somewhat. I was trying to interpret the results regarding myself. I don't think my probation even does ETG/ETS tests, but I'm just paranoid. I've been tested a couple times before, but I am pretty sure they were just 5 or 6-panel tests, Standard cup, instant result tests. I'm in a very small city/county. I am 22 (if it matters). I drank Friday night 1am-3pm. Consumed 3 and a half 4.5% alcohol beers. Appointment is Tuesday at 8am.

[DrBill100]

Viewing your comment I assume you drank from 1-3 am Sat. morning? Rounding your consumption to 4 beers @5% your max BAC at last drink would have been .10. Once again going high, you would have eliminated the systemic alcohol by 11am Saturday. That leaves 69 hr for excreting EtG. That should place you in a safe range even if tested.*

It's quite possible that some tests check only for active ethanol but shouldn't make any difference.

Wish you the best but I wouldn't keep tugging on Superman's cape. You have too much to lose.

*This is based on my own formula which maximizes BAC (.25 pd), minimizes elimination (.013 ph) and rounds up the numbers. EtG isn't so easily calculated but is based on maximum excretion times per amount consumed based on existing published studies.

[SmokeMonster]

Thanks much, Bill.

[SmokeMonster]

Thank you very much for your answers.

[SmokeMonster]

Have you read any research on if exercise or drinking water will help elimination of ETG/alcohol? I have heard fructose can help as well.

[DrBill100]

It's important not to confuse alcohol metabolism with EtG excretion. Exercise accelerates metabolism as does fructose. That doesn't necessarily mean that it would accelerate the excretion of EtG which is a by-product of ethanol metabolism. It could be that it exercise or fructose creates the same amount of EtG but at a faster rate but does not add elimination. To the best of my knowledge there is no research on these two items in relation to EtG. There is plenty in relation to the acceleration of metabolism of alcohol.

On the other hand, there are 2 or 3 studies that point out consumption of water greatly diminishes EtG content in urine. That is one of the many weaknesses of the test as it is currently employed. Urinary dilution can be detected, if for instance one were to drink a large volume of water right before the test. All in all there is agreement in the literature on one factor. Time is the greatest predictor of elimination. That is on your side.

[Fr_Chuck]

Also please stop using the comment feature, actually use the answer box

[SmokeMonster]

All right, sorry.