Drug Toxicology Monitoring Alcohol Metabolites, with Confirmation, Urine
Also known as: ETG
Use
Detection of ethyl glucuronide (EtG) and ethyl sulfate (EtS), metabolites of ethanol (alcohol), in urine indicates recent ingestion of or exposure to alcohol. Positive results may occur due to incidental exposure (e.g., mouthwash, hand sanitizer); interpretation should be contextualized clinically. The confirmatory LC‑MS/MS testing enhances specificity by verifying the presence of EtS at levels ≥100 ng/mL before reporting EtG positivity.
Special Instructions
Not provided.
Limitations
Incidental exposure to ethanol-containing products can result in detectable EtG and EtS in urine. The assay does not differentiate between sources of ethanol exposure. EtG may be produced in vitro in presence of ethanol-producing bacteria; EtS detection improves specificity. Interpretation must consider clinical context.
Methodology
Immunoassay
Biomarkers
Result Turnaround Time
1-3 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Urine
Volume
1 mL random urine
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Plastic urine container
Collection Instructions
Avoid contact with ethanol, disinfectants, swabs
Causes for Rejection
Preserved specimens
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 14 days |
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 30 days |