Alcohol Screening (EtG Urine)
Advanced urine test that detects alcohol consumption for up to 5 days through ethyl glucuronide (EtG), providing a longer detection window than standard alcohol tests.
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LevelPanel has no business or affiliate relationship with Quest or LabCorp. These links are provided as a public service.
Lab testing services linked from this site are not available to residents of Alaska, Arizona, or Hawaii, unless otherwise noted on the lab's own website.
This publication is not intended to solicit the purchase of laboratory testing from any individual consumer.
What this test measures
This urine test measures ethyl glucuronide (EtG), a metabolite produced when the liver processes ethanol (alcohol). EtG is formed through a minor, non-oxidative metabolic pathway and is excreted through the kidneys. Unlike standard blood or breath alcohol tests, which detect ethanol itself and become negative within hours of the last drink, EtG persists in the urine for a significantly longer period.
After moderate drinking (a few standard drinks), EtG can typically be detected for up to 48 hours. After heavier consumption, the detection window can extend to 72 hours or longer, with some studies documenting detection for up to five days depending on the amount consumed and the cutoff level used. This extended window makes EtG testing particularly valuable for monitoring alcohol abstinence in treatment programs, legal compliance situations, workplace policies, and other contexts where detecting recent alcohol consumption (not just current intoxication) is the objective.
Who should consider this test
You might consider this test if you are experiencing any of the following:
- Individuals in alcohol treatment programs who need to demonstrate abstinence to healthcare providers
- People required to maintain sobriety for legal reasons, such as probation or court-ordered monitoring
- Those participating in workplace programs that require abstinence from alcohol
- Individuals who want to monitor their own alcohol consumption patterns for personal health goals
- Parents or guardians needing to verify abstinence in custody-related situations
What to expect
Preparation
No fasting is required for this test. Individuals should avoid using alcohol-containing products such as hand sanitizers, mouthwash, or topical medications for 24 hours before testing, as these may potentially cause false positive results. Stay well-hydrated to ensure adequate urine production.
Sample Type
This test uses a random urine sample, meaning no special timing is required for collection.
Collection
At the lab, individuals will provide a urine sample in a sterile container. The process is quick and straightforward, with no doctor visit required.
Turnaround
Results are typically available within 2-3 business days after the sample reaches the laboratory.
Understanding your results
Results are reported as positive or negative based on whether the EtG concentration exceeds the laboratory's established cutoff threshold. The appropriate cutoff level for distinguishing intentional drinking from incidental exposure (such as alcohol-containing hand sanitizers or mouthwash) is a subject of ongoing clinical discussion, with different laboratories and programs using varying thresholds depending on the context. A positive result indicates that ethanol was metabolized by the body within the detection window but does not specify the exact amount consumed or the timing of consumption. Healthcare providers interpret results alongside clinical context and the specific cutoff applied.
| Population | Reference Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General Adult Population | Negative: <100 ng/mL; Positive: ≥100-500 ng/mL (depending on cutoff used) | Different laboratories may use varying cutoff levels; common cutoffs include 100, 200, and 500 ng/mL |
Reference ranges shown are general guidelines. Your lab report will include the specific reference range used by the laboratory that processed your sample, which is the authoritative range for interpreting your results.
What does a “Low” result mean?
A negative result suggests that no significant alcohol consumption has occurred within the detection window of the test, which is typically 1-5 days before sample collection. Negative EtG test results indicate that a person has not been exposed to ethanol or alcohol for the past five days preceding the test day. However, it's important to note that very light alcohol consumption or consumption that occurred beyond the test's detection window may not be detected. EtG did not detect self-reported drinking for lower levels of alcohol use (< 3 standard drinks/day) nor drinking that occurred greater than two days prior to EtG-I administration.
What does a “High” result mean?
An EtG-I cutoff of 100 ng/mL is most likely to detect heavy drinking for up to five days and any drinking during the previous two days. The 100 ng/mL cutoff detected 84% (1 day) to 79% (5 days) of heavy drinking. A positive result typically indicates that alcohol consumption has occurred within the past 1-5 days, depending on the amount consumed and individual factors. While higher amounts of EtG might indicate larger amounts of alcohol consumption, the exact number is influenced by several factors: the amount and when it was consumed. Incidental exposure to alcohol in many daily use products (ie, hand sanitizers, mouthwash) may result in detectable levels of ethyl glucuronide (EtG). In addition, upper respiratory infections as well as beta-glucuronidase hydrolysis may lower levels of EtG.
Privacy & confidentiality
All test orders are authorized and results reviewed by an independent, board-certified physician who is not the patient's personal doctor. LevelPanel takes privacy seriously and understands the sensitive nature of alcohol screening tests. All EtG alcohol screening results are handled with complete confidentiality and are <u>not reported to your doctor</u> or healthcare provider unless you specifically choose to share them. These test results are <u>not part of your medical records</u> and will not appear on insurance explanation of benefits (EOB) statements. Your results are also <u>not shared with employers</u>, government agencies, or any third parties without your explicit consent. Only you have access to your secure online results portal, ensuring that information about your alcohol testing remains completely private and under your control. This confidential approach allows individuals to monitor their alcohol consumption patterns or verify abstinence for personal reasons without concerns about unwanted disclosure.
Frequently asked questions
Related tests
Last reviewed: April 2026
CPT Code: 80320
This test may not be available in: NY, NJ, RI
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider regarding any health concerns. LevelPanel does not diagnose, treat, or prescribe.
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LevelPanel has no business or affiliate relationship with Quest or LabCorp. These links are provided as a public service.
Lab testing services linked from this site are not available to residents of Alaska, Arizona, or Hawaii, unless otherwise noted on the lab's own website.
This publication is not intended to solicit the purchase of laboratory testing from any individual consumer.
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