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What Would Cause Urine Test To Show Positive For Alcohol?

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Posted on Tue, 5 May 2015
Question: I need to determine if and how frequently a urine ua will show a false positive. I am currently in treatment. This just happened to me. I am not drinking!! I am asking for a soluyion to this if one exists. I am gathering as much info as possible on this subject. Thank you
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Rovena (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
detailed below.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Welcome to Healthcare Magic.

I read carefully your query and understand your concern.

There are many causes for a positive alcohol test even if you haven't drink in 5 weeks.
Being exposed to to some products which contain alcohol (i.e. mouthwash, hand sanitizer, etc.) and the consumption of foods prepared with small amounts of alcohol can give a positive alcohol test.
You should have been informed and instructed to avoid every possible exposure to products that contain alcohol.You should read carefully the labels of the products you use every day (mouthwash,breath spray,hand sanitizer ,medications) to see if they contain alcohol.You should ask for the ingredients of the foods you eat to avoid foods that contain alcohol.

You have to understand that avoiding any possible exposure to alcohol is your responsibility so you should be careful during this monitoring period.
You should avoid every possible exposure (be careful with the product you use or food you eat) and repeat the test.


Hope it helps.
Let me know if you have any other question.I will be happy to help.

Kind regards,
Dr.Rovena Murati

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rovena (1 hour later)
I have done all the things suggested. My issue and concern is all of these things were completely adheared to, how could it still show up as positive. Idid not consume any alcohol during this time. I need to know what it takes to resolve thias issue. I assure you, I have done everything I was required to do and more. Where do I go from here?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Rovena (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
detailed below.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.

If you are sure that you haven't been exposed to any of the products that contain alcohol and you haven't drink alcohol, you may ask for the test to be repeated .

You should try not to stress out.If you haven't drink or have avoided all possible alcohol exposure ,then you don't need to worry.
The EtG test to detect alcohol metabolites in urine is not used as stand-alone confirmation of relapse .So even one test was positive ,the people who monitor your abstinence won't determine it as a relapse.
They will evaluate and take in consideration clinical and other information about you that may or may not be suggestive of drinking;
-They can increase the frequency of testing to monitor
drinking status;So you may need to get frequent tests in future.
You should discuss all these with the person responsible for monitoring your alcohol abstinence.

Take care,
Dr.Rovena
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems and comprehensive renal care, talk to a Nephrologist. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Rovena

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2013

Answered : 1243 Questions

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What Would Cause Urine Test To Show Positive For Alcohol?

Brief Answer: detailed below. Detailed Answer: Hello, Welcome to Healthcare Magic. I read carefully your query and understand your concern. There are many causes for a positive alcohol test even if you haven't drink in 5 weeks. Being exposed to to some products which contain alcohol (i.e. mouthwash, hand sanitizer, etc.) and the consumption of foods prepared with small amounts of alcohol can give a positive alcohol test. You should have been informed and instructed to avoid every possible exposure to products that contain alcohol.You should read carefully the labels of the products you use every day (mouthwash,breath spray,hand sanitizer ,medications) to see if they contain alcohol.You should ask for the ingredients of the foods you eat to avoid foods that contain alcohol. You have to understand that avoiding any possible exposure to alcohol is your responsibility so you should be careful during this monitoring period. You should avoid every possible exposure (be careful with the product you use or food you eat) and repeat the test. Hope it helps. Let me know if you have any other question.I will be happy to help. Kind regards, Dr.Rovena Murati