[Lee1952]

I recently started seeing a pain physician for chronic low back pain that had been difficult to manage. On the first visit, he did a urine check, which I supposed was to see if I was compliant with my pain medication. On the second visit, two weeks later, he was dictating his findings in front of me. He told me (off dictation) that I had a low amount of EtG in my urine, briefly explaining that EtG was a metabolite of alcohol. But then he paused and said, "Well, it's a moderate amount." Then he dictated "EtG > 20,000. What does that mean? 20,000 what? 20,000 of anything sounds like a lot and sounds worrisome. Thanks for any help. Lee

[DrBill100]

First, EtG is detectable only when specifically tested for. No drug panel detects EtG. You were specifically tested for alcohol consumption in addition to your medication.

The quantity noted is nanograms (a nanogram is one billionth of a gram). 20,000 ng is a low to moderate amount.

Also EtG (ethylglucuronide) is a naturally occurring direct metabolite of alcohol. Everyone creates EtG in the process of metabolizing alcohol. So it is not worrisome.

It really can't be used to determine how much alcohol you consume... only that you probably do drink alcoholic beverages.