The Ethyl Glucuronide (EtG) test is used to detect ethanol in urine samples. It is common for companies to utilise an EtG test; however, is it accurate? Alcohol is one of the most widely consumed beverages worldwide. It is a part of many celebrations and is used in many cultures. However, excessive doses can have serious consequences. Alcohol usage can impair an individual’s perceptions, reasoning, and judgement, which are essential for performing duty at work. Therefore, alcohol intoxication can significantly cause workplace accidents and injuries. Fortunately, alcohol at work is an avoidable workplace hazard. Many businesses have a workplace policy to reduce all preventable risks. For example, employers conduct alcohol testing utilising an EtG test kit. However, an EtG test false positive result is possible. Nowadays, most companies conduct alcohol testing using a breathalyser.

An alcohol test is a standard procedure that can help employers minimise safety hazards brought by substance use. Substance impairment is a long-standing safety issue, especially in high-risk jobs such as mining, aviation, construction and transportation. Likewise, the misuse of alcohol has resulted in severe injuries, disabilities, property damage, and productivity and compensation losses. Therefore, conducting alcohol tests is crucial to avoid workplace accidents. An EtG test false positive is likely to happen due to exposure to alcohol-containing products. However, an efficient device for checking alcohol consumption is a breathalyser like the BACtrack. The BACtrack workplace breathalysers are available on the Breathalysers New Zealand website.

EtG Test False Positive: Reasons

Alcohol testing through a breathalyser or an EtG test is an effective strategy to determine employees’ alcohol use or impairment in the workplace. A breathalyser test can detect the presence of alcohol and estimate the Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) level in real-time. A breathalyser like the BACtrack can produce results within 10 to 15 seconds, allowing employers for more frequent testing. Breathalysers New Zealand provides reliable workplace devices for correctly measuring the BAC. Furthermore, breath testing using the BACtrack breathalyser is non-invasive and easy to conduct. Anyone can use a breathalyser by providing a sufficient breath sample to the device’s mouthpiece. Then the device will analyse the breath sample quickly. On the other hand, an EtG test can detect alcohol use for 3 to 5 days from the last use. However, an EtG test false positive is common due to some products that contain alcohol, such as:

• Cold medicines
• Mouthwash
• Antiperspirant
• Hand sanitiser
• Cleaning products

EtG Test False Positive: Testing for Employment

Alcohol is a volatile substance that enters the bloodstream and travels to various organs such as the lungs, brain, liver, and heart. They then leave the body via breath, sweat, or urine. Urine tests, for instance, can detect alcohol for 24 to 48 hours, depending on the amount consumed. Alcohol in urine can also be detected for up to 90 hours using advanced processes such as EtG testing. However, an EtG test false positive is probable. Therefore, most companies require a confirmatory test after the preliminary positive result. Companies can use a breathalyser like the BACtrack as an alternative for an EtG test for alcohol. Workplace breathalysers from Breathalysers New Zealand can detect alcohol for 12 to 24 hours after consumption. Furthermore, workplaces can undertake alcohol tests using a breathalyser for the following reasons and situations:

• Pre-employment: This test is helpful for employers to determine whether a prospective employee has dangerous substance behaviour that may jeopardise workplace safety.
• Post-incident: Testing employees after an accident to determine whether impairing chemicals contributed to an accident.
• Random: Employers conduct unannounced testing to detect present intoxication among employees. 
• Reasonable Suspicion: An employee showing clear intoxication indicators is subjected to an alcohol test. For example, an employer can request a test for an individual who has bloodshot eyes and an odour of alcohol on their breath.

EtG Test False Positive: Test Methods

Consuming a large amount of non-alcoholic beverages like wine can also result in an EtG test false positive. On the other hand, a breathalyser like the BACtrack can accurately calculate BAC readings from 0.00 per cent to 0.40 per cent. Therefore, employees who have consumed even a tiny amount of alcohol can be detected using the BACtrack breathalyser from Breathalysers New Zealand. Furthermore, aside from an EtG test, some testing methods can detect employees’ alcohol use, such as:

• Oral fluid Test: The saliva or mouth swab test employs a chemical assay test strip to detect the presence of alcohol for up to 24 hours. 
• Hair Follicle Test: A hair test has a broader detection window and can detect alcohol use for 90 days. Furthermore, this method aids in determining a person’s past alcohol or substance use. It can identify when and how much alcohol is consumed and times of abstention.
• Blood Test: The blood sample test is the most precise yet invasive of all methods. As a result, it is appropriate as a confirmatory test for preliminary test results.
• Breath Test: A breath test is the standard method for detecting alcohol. A breathalyser, such as BACtrack, collects the breath sample and analyses the alcohol concentration. The device detects alcohol consumption in the breath and will indicate the exact BAC level. 

Alcohol Testing using a Breathalyser

While an EtG test false positive is possible, false positive readings are less likely to happen in a breathalyser. The employer may administer a breath test using reliable workplace breathalysers like the BACtrack. Most BACtrack breathalyser employs fuel cell sensor technology, which are only sensitive to ethanol. Therefore, the workplace BACtrack devices from Breathalysers New Zealand gives high accuracy and reliability. Moreover, fuel cell sensors oxidise alcohol through an electrochemical process, producing tiny electrical currents. The number of currents produced is proportional to the amount of alcohol in the breath sample and is converted into BAC. In addition, law enforcement also utilises a police breathalyser for roadside screening with the same sensor as the BACtrack. Undoubtedly, the BACtrack breathalyser from Breathalysers New Zealand can significantly help employers with workplace alcohol testing.

Breathalysers from Breathalysers New Zealand

An EtG test false positive is likely with diabetic employees. On the other hand, the BACtrack breathalyser sensor does not affect the results of employees with diabetes or on a low-calorie diet. As a result, to assure accurate alcohol testing, businesses must use testing devices that meet New Zealand standards. BACtrack workplace breathalysers in New Zealand have FDA approval as an effective screening device. Using the BACtrack can also help employers reduce workplace accidents and injuries due to alcohol. Reducing workplace accidents and injuries can help businesses save money on annual expenses. Alcohol testing utilising the BACtrack can assist companies in lowering healthcare and accident compensation expenses. The BACtrack breathalyser also features a one-button operation to make breath testing easier. To purchase the best alcohol testing device, you may visit the Breathalysers New Zealand website to view all the products that can help you with workplace testing.