Just about everyone knows that there are ways to detect alcohol use, but the EtG test is one of the lesser known means of detection. The majority of people are familiar with breath, blood and urine ethanol tests. Unfortunately these tests carry a very limited detection window. They are designed to detect alcohol while the person is under the influence, or shortly thereafter. Depending on the amount of alcohol that has been consumed, traditional alcohol tests can only detect usage within the past couple hours.
However, what is one to do if they suspect alcohol use more than a couple hours ago? The common tests will not detect alcohol use from that long ago, and unfortunately many testing locations are not available over weekends – which is when a lot of drinking takes place. For situations like this, the EtG test is the perfect option. EtG is an acronym for ethyl glucuronide, a direct metabolite of ethanol alcohol. The metabolite itself can exist within urine for up to 80 hours after consumption, granting a much greater detection window period than the typical ethanol screens. The test is a great way to monitor a person/people who are not supposed to be drinking alcohol.
The EtG test is most commonly used in strict no-tolerance situations, such as work, probation, parole and many others. Additionally, the test is often used in a clinical manner as well to detect drinking problems and monitor patients for relapses. However, the test can also be used to monitor underage drinking as well. As many of us know, teenage drinking can be a difficult problem for parents and families to handle. The requirement to submit urine for an EtG screen is motivation and initiative to avoid alcohol use. Teenagers are not the only ones who experience trouble with alcohol. Adults can also suffer from alcohol abuse problems as well. Sometimes the mere ability to submit to and return a negative EtG result can be a great incentive to stay sober.
If you are concerned about someone’s drinking, whether it may be an employee, a friend, spouse or family member, it is beneficial to both of you to help them through it. With proper treatment, counseling and monitoring the chances of overcoming a problem with substance abuse can be greatly improved. The EtG test provides an accurate and efficient way of monitoring alcohol use over extended periods of time.
