Drug Toxicology Monitoring Alcohol Metabolites, Quantitative, Urine
Use
Ethyl glucuronide (EtG) and ethyl sulfate (EtS) are metabolites of ethanol measured in urine to assess alcohol exposure. Using both EtG and EtS improves specificity: EtS is not produced in vitro by ethanol‑producing bacteria, so a positive EtS (≥100 ng/mL) confirms in vivo alcohol exposure, and EtG is only reported positive if EtS meets this cutoff. Reference thresholds: EtG <500 ng/mL is negative, EtS <100 ng/mL is negative. Turnaround time is 1‑3 days upon specimen arrival. The test was developed by Quest and validated under CLIA; it has not been FDA cleared or approved.
Special Instructions
Not provided.
Limitations
EtG may be produced in vitro by ethanol‑producing bacteria in urine; as such, EtG results alone are not reliable without concordant EtS measurement. Interpretation should consider the clinical picture. Detection windows vary: EtG can remain detectable up to approximately 80 hours after ingestion, EtS for 24 hours or more depending on cutoff and patient metabolism.
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry
Biomarkers
Result Turnaround Time
1-3 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Urine
Volume
3 mL
Minimum Volume
2 mL
Container
plastic urine container
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 14 days |
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 30 days |