Between 2 PM and midnight on Fri I had approximately 7 hard drinks. Sat morning between 7-8 AM I had two drinks [total between Friday and Sat was 1 pint alcohol]. EtG for probation by 7:00 Monday night. Thoughts?

Neither the amount of EtG created nor the elimination time of same can be predicted with any degree of precision. At that level of consumption (8.5) drinks (US) EtG could be detectable for 70-80 hours, based on previous research. Could also be clear in as little as 40 hours.

With 500 cut-off, drinking a good amount of fluid throughout the weekend and eating high protein foods. Any difference in time frame?

With 500 cut-off, drinking a good amount of fluid throughout the weekend and eating high protein foods. Any difference in time frame?

All of the factors you mention have an influence on EtG testing: Cutoff, liquid and food.

There have been no direct comparative studies between the various cutoffs. Some testing agencies estimate a 10% reduction in detection (http://www.expertdrugtesting.com/content/view/32/1/), others 20%, probably even greater. Quest estimates a 40% variance between 100-500.

It has been documented for 10 years that the test is especially vulnerable to liquid consumption and that most people being drug tested consume large amounts of water. Nonetheless, promotion of the test continues and use increases.

It has been known for over 5 years that the test is completely ineffective for use in total abstinence programs due to the inability to detect limited drinking for even 24 hours. Yet promotion continues for that purpose.

As opposed to detecting alcohol consumption at an early stage the test basically facilitates drinking and then provides a laboratory certification that the individual has not consumed alcohol.

I would be very surprised if your drinking is detected by the test.

Toxicology News (2006) (http://www.aacc.org/SiteCollectionDocuments/Publications/cftn/CFTn_Dec_2006.pdf)

Wojcik & Hawthorne (http://alcalc.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/agm014v1#T1)

Albermann, Musshoff, etal (2012) (http://springerlink3.metapress.com/content/m63j7326j0ngm707/)