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How Long Does Alcohol Stay In The Body?

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Posted on Wed, 3 Aug 2016
Question: i took a urine test for alcohol i believe it was a Etg test, but i m worried i m not going to pass because i drank alcohol days prior thx
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (17 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
EtG test can detect alcohol consumed approx. 80 hrs before test.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,

If the urine alcohol test that was used was the EtG, the test may be able to detect alcohol that was consumed roughly 80 hours ago (approximately 3-4 days before the test).

Standard, cheaper testing usually only detects if alcohol was consumed in the previous hours. But the EtG test measures a break-down product of alcohol, which can be detected for roughly 3-4 days - sometimes up to 5 days depending on the rate of metabolism.

I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (27 minutes later)
so 1 had a 4 drinks on Thursday finished drinking Friday morning 12 am, had no drinks all day Friday , 1 drink (beer) Saturday around 6 30 pm , nothing to drink Sunday and nothing prior to my test on Monday @ 2pm ,

I m 246 pds 51 years of age , with this information r you able to tell me what my chances are in passing the test. thx again for your time
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Some information.

Detailed Answer:
It's right on the edge of that window for what EtG picks up. Monday at 2 pm is still within the 4 days of the last drink you had. So there is a chance the test will pick up on it, but there is no way to know for sure until you get the results back. I wish I could tell you exactly one way or the other but we can't since it can be 3-4 days.
Note: In case of any other concern or query related to prevention, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, or the recovery of persons with the any type of addiction or substance use, follow up with our Addiction Medicine Specialist. Click here to book a consultation now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3134 Questions

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How Long Does Alcohol Stay In The Body?

Brief Answer: EtG test can detect alcohol consumed approx. 80 hrs before test. Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome, If the urine alcohol test that was used was the EtG, the test may be able to detect alcohol that was consumed roughly 80 hours ago (approximately 3-4 days before the test). Standard, cheaper testing usually only detects if alcohol was consumed in the previous hours. But the EtG test measures a break-down product of alcohol, which can be detected for roughly 3-4 days - sometimes up to 5 days depending on the rate of metabolism. I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification.