[shhRN]

I am confused as to what to avoid in order to avoid a positive screen for alcohol, i.e. hygiene, hair, cleaning products. Everything has some form of alcohol in it, do I have to avoid all ingredients that end in "ol". Several products claim to be "alcohol free" but actually have things like propylene glycol, propanol (sp?) in it. Will casual use of these products cause a positive? Also, laundry detergent, what can I use... Please help me. Another thing, my prescribed eczema cream has several types of alcohol (ceatyl and stearyl alcohols) in the ingredient list, will this cause a positive?

[DrBill100]

All of the general categories mentioned may contain ethanol (EtOH). All of the literature states that only EtOH results in production of Ethylglucuronide (EtG). However, since this test was first recommended in 1995 each successive research project has tended to dismantle as opposed to confirm earlier findings. We know now that the initial claims were grossly misleading. EtG has been found in totally abstinent individuals and even in children under age 10. EtG can be produced by the presence of yeast and sugar, internally.

However, if we place reliance on the claims of EtG proponents and it is only EtOH detected there are still thousands of products that can enter your system transdermally and/or via inhalation. Of particular concern are facial cleansing products as they often contain high amounts of alcohol and are applied close to the nasal canal. These products are far too numerous to list, so here is a link to Household Products Database operated by National Institutes of Health (NIH). You can search products by name or simply search for "ethanol" by category. Successive exposure to different products has a cumulative effect. Do not be misled by the inordinate and unjustified focus on hand gels. There are many products that contain as much or more alcohol. The danger is in any product that contains alcohol which may be inhaled.

Your next problem is the urine sample itself. Most tests check for sample integrity by measuring creatinine and specific gravity. Too low (under 20 mg) and it indicates dilution. That's important to this test in particular as EtG is water soluble and easily diluted. What you are not told is that if your sample is overly concentrated, that will artificially increase any EtG present. [between the 20 mg dilution marker and normal creatinine levels, there is plenty of room for water consumption]

Some of the factors that increase urine concentration are exercise, virtually any type, walking, etc but also stress and anxiety. Frequently present of course in tense situations.

It is your responsibility to make certain that you are adequately hydrated at the time of the test (not flushing your system to defeat the test). Here is a link to Mayo clinic's recommended daily intake:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/water/NU00283

Make certain you do not go to a test in a state of dehydration (or borderline) as that simply magnifies any EtG that may exist due to incidental exposure.

Additionally, here is a link to Dr. Greg Skipper's website on EtG/EtS. You should read the entire list of the problems with this test as he has outlined them. Keep in mind Skipper is also the primary advocate for and proponent of the test in the US.

http://etg.weebly.com/index.html

It is imperative that you understand this test as the majority of personnel administering and interpreting it don't.