ETG Calculator - Alcohol Detection Time Calculator

Calculate when ETG will be eliminated from your system with our advanced EtG test calculator. Get accurate detection time estimates based on your alcohol consumption.

🧮 ETG Elimination Calculator

1 standard drink = 14g of pure alcohol (12oz beer, 5oz wine, 1.5oz spirits)
Gender affects alcohol metabolism rate
How long did you drink over?
Hydration affects ETG concentration in urine
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What is ETG?

Ethyl Glucuronide (ETG) is a direct metabolite of alcohol that remains in the body for 3-5 days after alcohol consumption. ETG testing is used to detect alcohol use in various scenarios including workplace testing, legal cases, and recovery monitoring.

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ETG Detection Window

ETG can be detected in urine for up to 80 hours after alcohol consumption, depending on the amount consumed. The standard ETG urine test can detect alcohol consumption up to 3-4 days, making it one of the most sensitive alcohol biomarkers available.

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Factors Affecting ETG

Multiple factors influence ETG elimination: alcohol amount, body weight, gender, metabolism rate, hydration level, liver function, and individual genetic variations. Our calculator takes these variables into account for accurate estimates.

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Test Threshold Levels

ETG tests typically use cutoff levels of 100-500 ng/mL. Higher thresholds (500-1000 ng/mL) reduce false positives from incidental exposure, while lower thresholds (100 ng/mL) provide maximum sensitivity for recent drinking detection.

Understanding ETG Testing and Alcohol Metabolism

How Does ETG Testing Work?

ETG (Ethyl Glucuronide) testing is a highly sensitive method for detecting alcohol consumption. Unlike traditional breathalyzers or blood alcohol tests that measure current intoxication, ETG tests detect a metabolite produced when your liver processes alcohol. This makes ETG testing valuable for situations where you need to verify abstinence from alcohol over several days.

ETG Half-Life and Elimination Rate

The half-life of ETG is approximately 2-3 hours, meaning the concentration of ETG in your system decreases by half every 2-3 hours. However, complete elimination depends on the initial peak concentration, which is influenced by how much alcohol you consumed. Our ETG calculator uses advanced algorithms to estimate both the peak concentration and the elimination timeline.

Factors That Influence ETG Detection Time

  • Amount of Alcohol: More drinks lead to higher peak ETG levels and longer detection times
  • Body Weight: Heavier individuals typically have larger blood volume, affecting concentration
  • Gender: Women generally metabolize alcohol slower than men due to lower water content and enzyme levels
  • Hydration: Well-hydrated individuals may dilute ETG concentration in urine
  • Metabolism: Individual metabolic rates vary based on genetics, age, and health status
  • Liver Function: Liver health significantly impacts alcohol processing efficiency

Common ETG Test Scenarios

ETG testing is commonly used in:

  • Probation and parole monitoring
  • DUI and court-ordered alcohol testing
  • Workplace alcohol screening programs
  • Addiction recovery program monitoring
  • Professional license compliance
  • Child custody evaluations

ETG Test Cutoff Levels Explained

Different organizations use different cutoff levels for ETG testing:

  • 100 ng/mL: Most sensitive, detects minimal alcohol exposure including hand sanitizer
  • 250 ng/mL: Reduces false positives while maintaining sensitivity
  • 500 ng/mL: Common standard, balances sensitivity with specificity
  • 1000 ng/mL: Used when intentional drinking verification is the goal

Tips for Faster ETG Elimination

While you cannot significantly speed up ETG elimination, these practices support natural metabolism:

  • Stay well-hydrated with water and electrolytes
  • Get adequate sleep to support liver function
  • Eat nutritious foods to support metabolism
  • Avoid additional alcohol consumption
  • Exercise moderately to support circulation
  • Avoid products containing alcohol (mouthwash, hand sanitizer)

Frequently Asked Questions About ETG Testing

How long does ETG stay in urine?

ETG typically remains detectable in urine for 48-80 hours after alcohol consumption, depending on the amount consumed and individual factors. Heavy drinking episodes can result in detection up to 5 days.

Can you pass an ETG test in 48 hours?

It's possible to pass an ETG test in 48 hours if you consumed a small amount of alcohol (1-3 drinks). However, moderate to heavy drinking typically requires 72-80 hours for ETG levels to drop below testing thresholds.

What is a passing ETG level?

Most ETG tests use cutoffs of 100-500 ng/mL. Levels below these thresholds are considered negative. The specific passing level depends on the testing agency's requirements.

Does drinking water help pass ETG test?

Drinking water increases hydration and may dilute urine ETG concentration, but testing labs also check for dilution. It's better to allow sufficient time for natural elimination rather than attempting dilution.

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Need More Information About ETG Testing?

Learn more about ETG testing, alcohol metabolism, and detection timelines on our comprehensive information pages.

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