Ethyl glucuronide (EtG) in urine

Why This Test Is Done

Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have concerns about alcohol use, such as after a suspected alcohol-related incident, during treatment for alcohol dependence, or as part of a routine screening for substance use. It can also be used in legal or workplace settings to assess exposure to alcohol.

This test uses a specialized urine sample to detect ethyl glucuronide, a stable metabolite of ethanol (alcohol). Unlike blood alcohol tests, which measure alcohol levels directly, this test identifies alcohol’s breakdown product, allowing detection of recent use even when alcohol itself has cleared from your system.

Ethyl glucuronide remains in urine for up to 80 hours after alcohol consumption, making it useful for detecting recent drinking that may not be detectable by other methods.

You’ll provide a urine sample in a sterile container, typically collected at your healthcare provider’s office or lab. The sample is then analyzed using a sensitive laboratory technique to measure the presence of ethyl glucuronide.

No special preparation is needed, but you may be asked to avoid certain foods or medications that could interfere with the test results. Follow your provider’s instructions carefully.

Results are reported in micrograms per milliliter (µg/mL) or parts per million (ppm). A positive result indicates recent alcohol consumption, while a negative result suggests no detectable alcohol exposure within the test window.

Interpretation is based on clinical context, such as the timing of the test relative to suspected alcohol exposure. Your provider will discuss the meaning of your specific result with you.