Ethyl Glucuronide/Creatinine Ratio, Urine
A urine test that measures ethyl glucuronide, an alcohol metabolite, relative to creatinine to account for differences in urine concentration.
["This test can help identify recent alcohol exposure, but it does not show current intoxication or impairment."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 58376-5
- Short code
- Ethyl glucuronide/Creat Ur
- Synonyms
- Ethyl glucuronide/Creat Ur
- Category
- kidney
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- 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
What is this test?
Ethyl glucuronide, or EtG, is formed in the body when alcohol is metabolized. This urine test measures the amount of EtG relative to creatinine, a substance used to adjust for how concentrated the urine is.
Why might I need this test?
Clinicians may use this test as part of monitoring alcohol treatment, workplace or school screening, or evaluation of suspected alcohol use. It may also be used in medical settings when recent alcohol exposure is relevant.
How is the test performed?
A urine sample is tested to determine the EtG-to-creatinine ratio. The result is reported as positive or negative, or as a numerical ratio, depending on the laboratory method. It reflects alcohol exposure over the previous several days rather than the amount of alcohol consumed or current level of impairment.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the instructions provided by the healthcare professional or laboratory, including when and how to collect the urine sample. Do not deliberately change your alcohol intake or restrict fluids before collection unless your clinician specifically instructs you to do so.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A positive result can indicate that alcohol was metabolized in the body during the several days before the urine sample was collected. It does not establish when alcohol was consumed, how much was consumed, or whether the person was intoxicated at the time of testing. Results should be interpreted with the clinical history and other findings because EtG may occasionally be detected from limited non-alcohol sources or affected by other factors.
Short name
Urine EtG/Creatinine Ratio
Frequently asked questions
Does a positive result mean I was drunk?
How long after drinking can EtG be detected?
Why is creatinine included in the result?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
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.
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