Difference Between EtG and EtS Alcohol Testing

Ethyl glucuronide (EtG) and Ethyl Sulfate (EtS) are direct metabolites of ethanol. EtG and EtS can be used as indicators for alcohol use. The main difference between EtG and alcohol is that EtG can be found in urine samples much longer than alcohol in the blood or breath. In addition, after consuming a few alcoholic drinks, EtG is detected in the urine for 48 hours to 72 hours. Sometimes, if the person consumes alcohol regularly and excessively, EtG and EtS can be detected by testing for a more extended period. There is also little difference between the two; EtS is tested in conjunction with EtG to confirm alcohol consumption. Moreover, testing for metabolites offers greater sensitivity and accuracy for determining alcohol consumption. Another difference is the cutoff levels for EtG and EtS confirmation; EtG may be 500 ng/mL or higher, while EtS is at 75- 100 ng/mL.

Can you fail an EtG and EtS test?

You can consume one alcoholic beverage to fail an EtG and EtS test. However, it depends on various factors like the amount of alcohol in the drink. The EtG test is also known as the “80-hour test,” however, EtG tests can register as positive up to five days after alcohol consumption. Moreover, the detection window where these alcohol metabolites detect depends on how much alcohol the person consumes. 

It is critical to note that false positive and negative results may happen with both EtG and EtS testing. False positive test results are likely due to exposure to products that contain alcohol. These products are mouthwash and hand sanitisers that are alcohol based. In addition, there are various situations where checking and monitoring an individual’s alcohol consumption is essential. The most common way to detect alcohol consumption is by measurement of ethanol via breath, blood, or urine sampling. Breathalysers New Zealand supplies genuine BACtrack alcohol breath testers. BACtrack offers an extensive selection of personal and workplace breathalysers. Therefore, these breathalysers accurately monitor blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels. 

Drug and Alcohol Screening in laboratories: Detection Process

Drug and alcohol screening through alcohol breath testers and urine tests can identify substance use. When the initial screening results are positive, requiring a confirmation test is vital. In addition, EtG and EtS confirmation is done via a certified laboratory for further testing. The laboratory can determine the precise level or amount of substance use. The laboratory strictly follows a secure chain of custody to ensure the validity and accuracy of the screening results. These testing companies adhere to the testing standards for adequate handling, storing, and examining samples. 

In case of a non-negative EtG and EtS test result, an expert medical review officer will interview the individual for evaluation. In some situations, a prescription drug can react and influence the test result. The review ensures the drug and alcohol test undergoes the proper procedure. Other screening methods include collecting saliva, hair, and blood samples. They detect prohibited drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, opiates, PCP, and amphetamines. The following methods can detect drugs and alcohol within the following detection windows:

• Breath – 12 to 24 hours (for alcohol)
• Blood – 6 to 12 hours
• Urine – 24 to 72 hours for advanced tests like EtG and EtS
• Saliva – 12 to 24 hours
• Hair – up to 90 days 

Drug Alcohol Screening Test Detection Process

Drugs and alcohol are substances that cause significant impairments. The use and abuse of drugs and alcohol, including prescription medication, can adversely affect health and safety. However, even if the consumption of alcohol is legal, consuming excessive and dangerous amounts can lead to chronic health diseases and increased safety hazards. Additionally, illegal substance use and impairment increase the chances of driving and working accidents. Alcohol intoxication is one of the leading causes of roadside accidents and workplace fatalities. Therefore, a drug and alcohol test to screen for EtG and EtS is vital for industries with high-risk environments. 

Drug and alcohol tests are typically done for varying reasons. Detecting EtG and EtS in urine testing can take a long time and cost more than alcohol breath testers. The need for accurate testing increases as the misuse of substances negatively impacts everyone. Here are some situations where drug and alcohol testing is appropriate:

• Medical care – Drug and alcohol testing is vital in medical care, especially in assessing health conditions. 
• Legal cases – Individuals charged with drink-driving or drug violations give test samples as evidence.
• Rehabilitation – Constant testing can help monitor individuals’ recovery from substance use and prevent them from relapsing. 
• Safety and risk management – The most common reason for testing is for pre-employment procedures. Drug and alcohol screening and regular workplace testing efficiently reduce workplace substance abuse.
• Sports competitions – Drug and alcohol testing ensures that athletes do not take performance-enhancing drugs while competing.

BACtrack Breathalysers for EtG and EtS Testing?

The legal alcohol and drug tests include testing for EtG and EtS metabolites since they have a longer detection window. An alcohol breath test is the standard way of testing for alcohol. An alcohol tester or breathalyser captures and analyses the breath sample to produce an accurate blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level reading. In particular, the BACtrack Pro breathalysers from Breathalysers New Zealand use fuel cell sensors to measure BAC levels precisely. In addition, a fuel cell sensor breathalyser detects only ethanol and does not react with other substances. Therefore, these fuel cell breathalysers are less likely to produce false positives. If you seek the most reliable breathalyser, you may want to consider getting a BACtrack device.

You should consider using breathalysers if you seek an alternative to EtG and EtS testing via urine sampling. The BACtrack breathalysers from Breathalysers New Zealand are excellent alcohol screening tools to help keep you and the workplace safe and healthy. In addition, Breathalysers NZ offers compact, portable and highly accurate workplace breath testers. In particular, BACtrack’s pro-grade breathalysers use enhanced fuel cell sensor technology to precisely measure BAC levels. Moreover, these professional breathalysers maintain longer consistency, making them perfect for high-volume testing. In addition, BACtrack’s workplace breathalysers have police-grade accuracy, providing you with constant and reliable BAC readings. Visit Breathalysers New Zealand for the comprehensive selection of the BACtrack alcohol testers.

Conclusion

The standard alcohol and drug test involves laboratory examinations to identify EtG and EtS levels and determine alcohol consumption. However, a breath test through a breathalyser like the BACtrack from Breathalysers NZ may be the most practical and cost-effective way to test for alcohol. Knowing when people have consumed alcohol can be advantageous. Mainly, BACtrack breathalysers only take 15 seconds to analyse and produce highly accurate BAC results. Consider getting a personal breathalyser like the BACtrack to improve health and safety.