DrBill100: I have an upcoming EtG test on April 4th. I am a rare drinker in the first place, but this past Tuesday (March 6th), my girlfriends and I went out and I definitely drank WAY too much that night. Perhaps it's just paranoia, but I am curious if -given that I completely abstain from alcohol between now and the test- there is any possible way to fail for EtG with a month's time span in between? I am 5'0", 120lbs, and fairly healthy. Slight hypothyroidism that is regulated with Synthroid 125mcg/daily. I am also aware (at least I believe I am) about preventing incidental exposure and what to avoid in the days prior to the test in regards to household products and such. I take a B vitamin complex that contains Niacin daily, along with a multivitamin. Given all these factors, is there any realistic possibility that someone could register for EtG with this amount of time in between?

EtG from the drinking will not remain at that time span regardless of amount consumed.

Just keep in mind the incidental exposure and you will be fine.

NOTICE: Any person or entity that is subjected to or relies on EtG testing should read this Advisory issued by the US Department of Health and Human Services, September 2006 and remains in effect as of date of this posting. Copy available here > US DHHS Advisory (http://kap.samhsa.gov/products/manuals/advisory/pdfs/0609_biomarkers.pdf)

Does EtS have the same window of detection since some tests include that as an indicator of alcohol ingestion?

Does EtS have the same window of detection since some tests include that as an indicator of alcohol ingestion?

Ethyl sulfate (EtS) has the same approximate window of detection as EtG. Some tests show longer, some shorter. Even when detected for a longer period it is within a couple of hours*.

How did you come out on the February test? Hair spray.

*as example, Helander, 2009 (http://alcalc.oxfordjournals.org/content/44/1/55.full.pdf+html)

I actually wasn't tested in February like I expected. It was postponed till the 4th of April. Since then, I've become almost TOO aware of things than contain ethanol and slightly obsessive about how to avoid them. Even found non-alcohol hairspray online. I'm still slightly concerned that any drinking around this time or slightly prior would affect the outcome of a test that is in 2 1/2 weeks but I'm thinking that that's just me being overly paranoid.