Ethylsulfate in Urine (24-Hour Collection)
This test measures the amount of ethylsulfate, a breakdown product of ethanol (alcohol), in your urine over a 24-hour period. It helps assess recent alcohol consumption.
["This test helps track long-term alcohol use by measuring ethylsulfate in urine over a full day."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 110447-0
- Short code
- Ethyl sulfate Msmt Ur
- Synonyms
- Ethyl sulfate Msmt Ur
- Category
- chemistry
- 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
Why This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have concerns about alcohol use, such as chronic alcoholism, liver disease, or if you’re recovering from alcohol dependence. It can also be used in workplace drug testing or to monitor compliance with alcohol restrictions in certain settings.
How the Test Is Collected
You’ll collect a 24-hour urine sample by collecting all urine produced during the day, typically in a special container. The sample is usually submitted to the lab in one container after the full period is complete.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but you should avoid consuming alcohol during the 24-hour collection period. Drink plenty of water to help flush out any alcohol metabolites naturally.
What to Expect After the Test
After the test, you’ll receive results that show the amount of ethylsulfate in your urine. High levels may indicate recent alcohol use, while low levels suggest abstinence.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Ethylsulfate levels in urine can reflect recent alcohol consumption more reliably than blood alcohol tests, as it persists in urine for up to 72 hours. Elevated levels may indicate ongoing alcohol use, particularly in individuals who drink heavily or frequently. This test is useful for detecting alcohol use in cases where blood alcohol levels are unreliable (e.g., after vomiting or rapid alcohol metabolism).
Short name
Urine Ethylsulfate (24h)
Frequently asked questions
What does a high ethylsulfate level mean?
What does a low ethylsulfate level mean?
Does this test detect alcohol use from the day before?
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