Calculate if you will pass an EtG test
Use the EtG calculator to estimate for how long EtG might be detectable in your system.
The detection threshold of most tests is 500 ng/mL. Anything below that is considered a pass.
What is EtG?
EtG (Ethyl Glucuronide) is a biomarker formed when the body metabolizes alcohol. Unlike alcohol itself, which leaves the system relatively quickly, EtG can be detected in urine for up to 80 hours after alcohol consumption. This makes it a reliable indicator of recent alcohol intake.
How does EtG determine alcohol consumption?
A high positive result (e.g., >1,000 ng/mL) typically indicates heavy drinking on the same or previous day, or light drinking on the day of the test.
A low positive result (500–1,000 ng/mL) may signal heavy drinking within the last 1–3 days, light drinking within 24 hours, or exposure to alcohol-containing products.
A very low positive result (100–500 ng/mL) can suggest heavy drinking in the past 1–3 days, light drinking within 12–36 hours, or recent exposure to alcohol-based products.
Research suggests a 100 ng/mL cutoff can detect heavy drinking within five days and any drinking within two days, while a 500 ng/mL cutoff is more specific to heavy drinking in the last day.
What are EtG tests used for?
They are used to monitor alcohol abstinence in situations where drinking is prohibited, such as by the military, in alcohol treatment programs, in professional monitoring programs (health professionals, attorneys, airline pilots in recovery from addictions), in schools, liver transplant clinics, or in recovering alcoholic patients.
Are EtG tests accurate?
ETG tests are generally accurate for detecting recent alcohol consumption, with studies showing they correctly identify moderate to heavy drinking 85% of the time and alcohol use overall more than 70% of the time. However, they have limitations. False positives can occur due to exposure to alcohol found in common household and personal products, such as hand sanitizers, mouthwashes, cleaning products, cosmetics, and foods prepared with alcohol.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) considers ETG tests highly reliable for determining whether someone has consumed alcohol, but results should be interpreted carefully to account for potential environmental exposures.
How to pass an EtG test?
Since ETG can remain detectable in urine for up to 80 hours after drinking, the only guaranteed way to pass is to completely abstain from alcohol during this detection window. Additionally, avoid exposure to alcohol-containing products like hand sanitizers, mouthwashes, aftershave, and certain foods, as these can sometimes cause false positives.
Eating a healthy diet may indirectly help by supporting metabolism and liver function. Foods rich in fiber, antioxidants, and protein can aid the body's natural detox processes, though they won’t significantly speed up ETG elimination. Staying hydrated may help dilute urine, but labs often check creatinine levels to detect intentional dilution.