[luvsweets]

Hi, I was ordered to undergo weekly random ETG testing, so far 24 between 2011 & 2012, and all have been negative. I just returned from vacation and would like to go in so as not to skip a week, but not sure if I should (it's optional because I returned home early). I did have drinks yesterday (Tuesday)- 3 or 4 glasses of wine and a fairly strong margarita all between the hours of 6 pm and midnight.

I'm a 39 year old female and I weigh 115pds. I eat very healthy and run 3 miles 3 to 4 times per week and drink lots of water and cranberry juice.

I think I'd be cutting it close, but may volunteer to go in on Friday @ 3pm if it's possible that I could be in the clear. Is this possible?

[DrBill100]

Can't advise you one way or other except to say that EtG testing isn't a process that can be closely timed. 4-5 drinks usually clears in range of 48 hours but there are too many factors involved to view that as precise, could easily vary by 8-10 hours in either direction.

[luvsweets]

Thanks so much for your answer. I did actually go for the test and passed the test. I'm wondering though, what role does water consumption play into the result? Does it dilute if immediately consumed prior to testing? Does it dilute ETG production if consumed while drinking alcohol?

Also, as I stated in my earlier message- I have passed all tests for six months. I'm in a bitter custody battle and my ex-husband continues accusing me of having a problem. It's been going on for years. Today, the judge agreed with his lawyer that the tests don't seem random enough, as in they occur usually on Tu-Wed and only some Mondays and some Fridays. She called the state in chambers today and asked that they be more random (even though there is a five day look back) and ordered six more weeks at spread out week day intervals and we go back for review on 11/2. She also suggested that if the results are still negative then the test isn't reliable and she will further push for hair follicle testing testing.
I rarely drink and never had a problem, just bitter ex husband and bad lawyer during phase one of the case. I'll admit on here to having the occasional drink if I have an event a night or two after my testing. Is there even such a thing as hair follicle testing for alcohol? If so, can you provide details and case study? I'm in RI if that helps..

[DrBill100]

Does it dilute if immediately consumed prior to testing? Does it dilute ETG production if consumed while drinking alcohol?

Liquids dilute urine and not metabolites. Rather dilution disperses the amount of metabolites measurable per unit of urine.

... Is there even such a thing as hair follicle testing for alcohol? If so, can you provide details and case study?

There is. At least theoretically but only indirectly. Alcohol (EtOH) cannot be detected in hair but the metabolite EtG (ethyl glucuronide) supposedly can. Hair testing detects EtG supposedly a direct metabolite of EtOH (in urine) and FAEEs (Fatty Acid Ethyl Esters) created by alcohol. FAEEs are not exclusive to EtOH and created by many other means.

Overall, very, very questionable science

In reference to case studies please refer to Society of Hair Testing (SoHT, 2009) Bear in mind that HEtG has been widely used in Europe, that Trimega Laboratories is the is the leading provider (one of 2), that F. Pragst is the premier researcher (author of 170 studies in support), that F. Pragst is the president emeritus of Trimega, and Dr Pragst holds no less than 10 patents on this process and is the "founding father" of the SoHT.

... suggested that if the results are still negative then the test isn't reliable and she will further push for hair follicle testing testing.

Unless you are directed to total abstinence the EtG test is of no value. HEtG is of even less value. EtG testing, at best, could only determine past consumption of alcohol. It cannot time or quantify that consumption. More specifically you could have swallowed some mouthwash or been on a two month bender and EtG (urine or hair) could not be used to distinguish.


Consensus of the Society of Hair Testing on hair testing for chronic excessive alcohol
consumption (2009)