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Ethanol concentration in serum or plasma (24-hour urine)

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

This test measures the total amount of alcohol (ethanol) consumed over a 24-hour period by analyzing your urine. It helps determine alcohol use patterns, assess drinking habits, or evaluate compliance with sobriety requirements.

Quick summary

["This test helps track alcohol intake and supports health or legal evaluations."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
16842-7
Short code
Ethanol Usub-mCnc
Synonyms
Ethanol Usub-mCnc
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Specimen volume
5 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

Why This Test Is Done

Doctors may order this test if you’re suspected of excessive alcohol consumption, need to monitor sobriety for legal or employment reasons, or are being evaluated for alcohol-related health issues. It can also be used in research or clinical trials studying alcohol metabolism.

How the Test Works

Your urine is collected over 24 hours and sent to a lab. The test measures ethanol levels by detecting alcohol metabolites, providing an accurate total intake estimate rather than just a single snapshot.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed. Simply collect all urine produced in a 24-hour period (from midnight to midnight) in a clean container. Avoid alcohol consumption during this time.

What to Expect During the Test

You’ll provide a single urine sample after completing the 24-hour collection. The lab processes it using advanced techniques like chromatography or immunoassay to measure ethanol concentration.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Ethanol urine tests are critical for identifying patterns of alcohol use, detecting relapse in treatment programs, or confirming compliance with sobriety orders. Elevated levels may indicate heavy drinking, while low levels suggest abstinence or controlled consumption. This test is also used in forensic evaluations to assess impairment or legal accountability.

Short name

24-Hour Ethanol Urine Test

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get results?
Results are typically available within 1–3 business days, depending on lab processing times. Follow-up with your healthcare provider if you have questions about your results.
What do my results mean?
Results are reported as a total ethanol mass concentration (mg/24h). A doctor will interpret these values in context—such as your health history or reason for testing—to determine if levels are within expected ranges or concerning.
Can I drink alcohol before this test?
No, avoid alcohol consumption for the full 24-hour period before testing. Even small amounts can affect the accuracy of the measurement.
  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