I'll start by admitting I'm an alcoholic, and know I shouldn't drink, so save the getting around test comments, please. I did not try beating a test, I screwed up.

I've enrolled in a drug and alcohol monitoring program to support my application for a license to practice by showing although drinking has been a problem in the past, I am starting back in the program and sober now.

Four weeks in to the program I was selected for the random PEth test as opposed to EtG.

Prior to the four weeks in the program, I was drinking heavily for months - longer than the life of red blood cells. It was a bad relapse, both lengthy and 2-15 drinks a day. I am hoping I do not relapse again, past is the past and I'm moving forward with hope and support.

My question is not how the board may handle a positive or why PEth so early - baseline maybe? My compound question is a) what is the test's detection period for the drinking described (standard and known outliers), b) are there any medical or diet conditions that could increase the detection window, and c) can you please provide links to documentation supporting your answer.

I really appreciate your help.

Where this is (country ? ) we are an international site.
What type of board and license ? Did you previously lose it or get suspended for drinking?

If they are aware of your history, they may wish to be careful and look suspect on tests if you only stop for a few weeks in attempts to pass them. (not that you are doing that now, but the way a board my think)

You address it with honesty, you admit your problem, and show the steps you are doing to correct it.

Your best bet is to find blogs specifically for discussion of the details of testing and the variances of each individual.
My feeling is that you are past any window, but do not have documentation.

One problem you will encounter is that the studies that are conducted are not performed on folks who drink alcoholically. No one in their right mind would knowingly monitor a person who is regularly drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. Only a true alcoholic can understand how it is possible to drink 10 or more drinks a night and just keep on doing it. I know because I've been there and done that.

Most of the earlier studies seemed to suggest that 3 weeks was the "average" length of time, others even said that 3 weeks was the maximum amount of time a PEth test could go back. I don't believe any have tested the chronic alcohol abuser.

The best I have done is Googled the question in many forms and still don't have any data I consider "good" or "reliable" to answer your question. Some studies will define heavy drinking as more than 2 or 3 drinks a day. Well I know darn well that that is nowhere the amount I used to consume daily - more like 20 a day! So those "studies" are fairly worthless, in my opinion. It is like comparing grapes to watermelons. 3 weeks vs. 1 1/2 months? It is a HUGE variation!

Here is an excerpt from one source that I will include below:


Half life is around 4 to 5 days
•
Can be detectable for up to a month or more following the cessation of heavy drinking



Suggested interpretation based on current knowledge:

–
Detectable
PEth
by LC-MS or HPLC-ELSD indicates drinking roughly within the past 4 to 6 weeks
–
Higher levels indicate heavy drinking within the past 2 to 3 weeks...optimal cutoff concentrations not established
–
Low levels indicate lighter recent drinking probably approaching one drink/day, or heavy drinking that ceased in the past 1 to 1.5 months



https://www.acli.com/Events/Documents/Mon22712%20-%20Alcohol%20Abuse%20and%20Markers%20-%20Scott%20Stewart.pdf