[lguy36]

I am a bartender and am routinely getting booze on my hands. Will this affect an EtG?

[ISneezeFunny]

Skin contact was previously known to have affected ETGs, however, further testing showed that alcohol vapor inhalation was the source of it all. So yes, it is possible that it will affect an ETG, however, this is still pretty controversial.

[DrBill100]

Probably so. Working in and around alcohol on a daily basis means that you regularly inhale alcohol fumes and have skin exposure. While the research on this phenomenon is limited it has all been positive. Incidental exposure to ethanol can create positives above 100 ng/ml (generally in the range of 300-800 ng).

If you're interested in reading on that subject Dr. Greg Skipper, who introduced EtG to the US, maintains a website at Articles - Ethylglucuronide (EtG) and Ethylsulfate (EtS)

Click on "articles" and you'll find some more recent info.

You may want to print a copy because the vast majority of people administering this test are unaware of the "innocent positive".

[lguy36]

Well, not so innocent. I drank about ten drinks throughout the day on thurs (stopped drinking at 10pm) and scheduled to have an EtG tomorrow at at 2:30. I did the math and think I am oky, but I am sweating it pretty hard.

Thanks for your answer. I guess I was looking for an out, since I do legitimately have contact with alcohol all through the week and hardly every drink.

[DrBill100]

As you have already calculated the consumption is likely not an issue based on the information you provided. That does not diminish the environmental exposure you mention. If you have the chance please let us know how this turns out.

[lguy36]

Thanks, dr. bill. Will do. Also, I have read many things including the Colorado and swedish studies on detection times (and all the other anectodal evidence on line), but am still confused as to whether drinking lots of water prior to the test will help. Thanks

[DrBill100]

You must have missed Wojcik & Hawthorne (2007) published in Alcohol and Alcoholism. Leaves no room for confusion. Available on line at:
Sensitivity of commercial ethyl glucuronide (EtG) testing in screening for alcohol abstinence -- Wojcik and Hawthorne, 10.1093/alcalc/agm014 -- Alcohol and Alcoholism

[lguy36]

Ah... yes, I did miss that part ( I was so eager to get into the results I skipped it). The on ly confusing part to me is the clause in the following:

Studies show that the intake of water prior
To urine sampling results in a dramatic reduction in the EtG
Concentration, while expressing EtG as a ratio to creatinine is
Not affected by dilution.

Does this mean that my creative level will not be affected? Or do I need to take steps to keep my creative level up?

Thanks for your help, Dr. Bill. You're awesome.

[DrBill100]

Based on the information provided, and as previously noted, I can't see that you need to take any steps. My interest in these tests is to avoid the innocent positives. To that end I always recommend drinking a normal amount of water, 4 8oz daily and avoiding dehydrating liquids such as coffee, tea, etc. and that will normally avoid the environmentally acquired ethanol/EtG.

Labs are supposed to test for creatinine level as low creatinine is an indication of possible dilution. Drinking large amounts of water to flush your system will temporarily lower your creatinine level and that could be detected. However, your system has naturally (via metabolism) purged the EtG and drinking excessive amounts of water just before the test will serve no purpose unless you are particularly thirsty.

You can forget about the 10 drinks. That's history. Focus on the last time you were in the bar just absorbing by inhalation. That's what is most likely to show up. That is what is addressed by normal periodic intake of water.

[lguy36]

Thanks for your thoughtful advice in this, dr. bill. I really appreciate it.

[BcbRan]

lguy36. Did u pass your EtG test

[RRich222]

Dr Bill just wanted to add a comment about time frame on an EtG test for anyone this will help. I learned a lot from this site as I was waiting for results on an EtG tested and was worried sick. I drank on a Friday quite heavily until about 2 am and was called in Monday for a test. I put it off till Tuesday and took the test at 2pm on Tuesday. The next few days were hell as I have a lot to lose. I figured with the amount I drank I would have been about a .000 BAC at 2pm on Saturday so had 72 hours from .000 BAC. I passed. It in NO WAY was worth the stress I experienced and I have quite drinking. At least until my probation is up. I never want to worry like that again. You are very knowledgeable in this subject and without your advice I would have not asked for that extra day. Please people if you are getting tested don't drink. The worry is crippling. Thank you Dr Bill