I know that the ETG alcohol testing can show a positive for alcohol up to 80 hrs. I was wondering if there any any other types of testing that are possible from only urine tests that detect alcohol for a longer period.

There are no other urine assays that exceed the window of detection claimed by EtG. It is extremely rare for EtG to be detected at 80 hours even after long-term chronic intoxication.

EtG is not and cannot be used in DUI testing. It does not detect alcohol in urine.

There are no other urine assays that exceed the window of detection claimed by EtG. It is extremely rare for EtG to be detected at 80 hours even after long-term chronic intoxication.

EtG is not and cannot be used in DUI testing. It does not detect alcohol in urine.

I thought EtG detects whether alcohol had been consumed, not whether it was currently present in the body. Also what are tests are used for DUII treatment program that have a longer detection window, that involve only urine samples.

I thought EtG detects whether alcohol had been consumed, not whether it was currently present in the body. Also what are tests are used for DUII treatment program that have a longer detection window, that involve only urine samples.

EtG is used to test for past alcohol consumption. A DUI treatment program may very well use it for the purpose of enforcing abstinence. I thought you were referring to DUI tests for impairment, level of intoxication.

EtG is used to test for past alcohol consumption. A DUI treatment program may very well use it for the purpose of enforcing abstinence. I thought you were referring to DUI tests for impairment, level of intoxication.


No I'm concerned about testing for past alcohol consumpation. So just to make sure EtG is the longest detection for urine drug tests? Which is up to roughly 80 hrs

In urine testing EtG provides the longest detection window. No where near 80 hours unless the amount of alcohol consumed is very substantial.

Some guys in my ASAM group therapy are swearing up and down that because I use mouth wash I will fail an EtG. The instructor even said it is possible... I have looked at several sites about EtG and it is mentioned... but is that reality? And if so... why the heck would they use some test that can't differentiate between rinsing your mouth and drinking? As if recovery isn't hard enough without adding legal issues for mouthwash use. What do you think? By the way I have looked at several of your threads and truly appreciate the insight help and insight you have given so many. Thanks for your work. I know you have helped many.

some guys in my ASAM group therapy are swearing up and down that because I use mouth wash I will fail an Etg. The instructor even said it is possible...I have looked at several sites about Etg and it is mentioned... but is that reality? And if so...why the heck would they use some test that can't differentiate between rinsing your mouth and drinking? As if recovery isn't hard enough without adding legal issues for mouthwash use. What do you think? By the way I have looked at several of your threads and truly appreciate the insight help and insight you have given so many. Thanks for your work. I know you have helped many.

USDTL tested mouthwash and found.. "it is possible to generate detectable concentrations of EtG and EtS by using ethanol-containing mouthwash as directed on the manufacturer's label with as few as 2-3 rinses." Other researchers for the past 6 years have confirmed the finding. In the overall context of how this test is misused that is a minor flaw.

Those that use the test do so because they fail to do their homework. In actuality EtG testing has never been cleared for use in the US. The FDA has never approved the test, a fact acknowledged by SAMHSA and the FDA.

While exposure to environmental alcohol will trigger a positive on EtG it is largely a matter of timing. Mouthwash (or any alcohol) will cause a peak EtG from 2-5 hours after use. That is the range where it is likely to be detected. It then declines and within a couple of hours will fall below the level of detection. By being careful the day before a test, drinking plenty of water, you can usually avoid problems. Never go to an EtG test poorly hydrated. Drink plenty of water up until about 3 hour prior to test. That is not a method for beating the test but based on the assumption of total abstinence from alcohol.

United States Drug Testing Laboratory, Research Monograph, 2006 Ethyl Glucuronide and Ethyl Sulfate Concentrations Following Use of Ethanol Containing Mouthwash (http://www.usdtl.com/uploads/rte/files/whitepapers_etgmouthwash_FD_010710.pdf)

Gary M Reisfield, et al (2011) Ethyl glucuronide, ethyl sulfate, and ethanol in urine after intensive exposure to high ethanol content mouthwash (http://jat.oxfordjournals.org/content/35/5/264.full.pdf). Journal of Analytical Toxicology, Vol. 35, June 2011

The Role of Biomarkers in the Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorders (http://kap.samhsa.gov/products/manuals/advisory/pdfs/Advisory_Biomarkers_Revision.pdf), 2012 Revision, Spring 2012, Volume 11, Issue 2. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA] United States Department of Health and Human Services. p. 7

Personal correspondence with Food & Drug Administration (FDA), Div of Chemistry and Toxicology Devices, July 2012.