Request Code

ETHYLGLUCURONIDE ALCOHOL SCREENING

What is Ethylglucuronide?

  • Ethylglucuronide (EtG) is a breakdown product ("metabolite") of beverage alcohol consumption.
  • When Alcohol is ingested, EtG is quickly created.
  • EtG can be detected in urine up to 80 hours after consumption.

Why use Ethylglucuronide testing?

  • All common alcohol tests other than EtG test for actual alcohol in the body.
  • Alcohol is eliminated from the body at the average rate of one drink per hour, although this varies by weight and gender.
  • Alcohol in the body reflects current use - the person has been drinking in the past few hours, dependent on quantity consumed.
  • Only EtG goes back in time. So EtG testing can confirm sobriety or reveal secret drinking.

How is Ethylglucuronide detected?

  • EtG is detected through urine testing.
  • EtG testing can only be performed in a laboratory-can not be determined through a "rapid" or "dip" test.
  • Laboratories use sophisticated instruments to detect EtG:
    • Liquid Chromatography, Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) is the most sensitive test.
    • Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) is less sensitive
    • Immunoassay testing is the least sensitive method.

EtG Testing is a Highly Accurate Method for Monitoring Recovery

  • Since an EtG negative is proof of abstinence for alcohol use, it is an effective method to verify on-going recovery.

Concerns Regarding Inadvertent Alcohol Exposure

  • Positive EtG are always confirmed by reference labs; initial positive are subject to confirmatory re-testing, so a positive EtG will always reflect alcohol in the individual's body.
  • All EtG's collected by ESM are tested at 2000ng, which is the highest level of detection to avoid any cause of a false positive.

EtG is the Best Available Method for Monitoring Alcohol Use

  • EtG is Accurate- the absence of false positives makes it an extremely reliable method to monitor recovery.
  • When EtG positives are disputed, alcohol use can be evaluated with alternative assessments and tests.
  • Other technologies, such as Transdermal testing, have limited data regarding false positives or the impact of inadvertent exposure in vulnerable individuals: EtG testing can be used to confirm the results of technologies such as Transdermal testing.

EtG Detection Levels and Use in Prior 80 Hours

Level

Test

1000

Immunoassay Forensic
(Detects 60-90% of abuse episodes)

500

GC/MS
(Detects 80% of abuse episodes)

250

LC/MS/MS For-Cause
(MRO evaluation recommended)
Detects 98% of abuse episodes

100

LC/MS/MS Impaired Professionals
(MRO evaluation strongly recommended)
Detects 100% of abuse episodes

Contact Employee Screening Management at info@pre-screen.com or 1.888.371.4615 for additional information.


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