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Ethanol concentration in urine (24-hour collection)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures the total amount of alcohol (ethanol) present in your urine over a full day.

Quick summary

["Helps track alcohol intake and monitor for alcohol use disorders or sobriety progress."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
34180-0
Short code
Ethanol Ur Ql Cfm
Synonyms
Ethanol Ur Ql Cfm
Category
chemistry
Sample
urine
Container
Sterile urine container
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
confirm
Specimen volume
10 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
0
Lipemia max
0
Icterus max
0
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

Why This Test Is Done

Your doctor may order this test if you’re suspected of chronic alcohol misuse, recovering from alcohol dependence, or managing conditions like alcoholism. It can also help assess compliance with sobriety programs or evaluate liver function indirectly by detecting prolonged alcohol exposure.

What to Expect Before the Test

You’ll collect all urine produced in a 24-hour period (typically from midnight to midnight) in a sealed container. Drink plenty of water to help flush out alcohol. Avoid alcohol consumption during this time.

How the Test Works

The collected urine sample is analyzed to determine the total ethanol concentration, often using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or immunoassay methods to detect even small amounts of alcohol.

Test Results and Interpretation

Results are reported in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or milligrams per gram (mg/g) of urine. Higher-than-expected levels may indicate chronic alcohol use, while very low levels suggest abstinence. Your doctor will interpret results based on your clinical context.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

24-Hour Urine Ethanol

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get my results?
Results are typically available within 1–3 business days, depending on lab processing times. Follow-up with your healthcare provider to discuss findings and next steps.
Can I drink alcohol before giving this urine sample?
No, avoid alcohol consumption for the entire 24-hour collection period to ensure accurate results. Alcohol presence will skew the test results.
What if I miss any urine during the collection?
If you miss urine, you must restart the collection from the beginning. Small amounts missed may not significantly affect the test, but incomplete collections can lead to inaccurate results.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy