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| Why test for EtG? |
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EtG tests whether ethanol has been used; it is not a test for current impairment. EtG testing utilizes liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) to detect the presence of EtG in urine. This increased window of detection is superior to traditional ethanol testing and offers a level of confidence previously unavailable. EtG is most useful in testing individuals who should not be drinking at all or evaluating the source of ethanol in the urine of a diabetic. Impaired health professionals were among the first groups
to be tested routinely. |
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How reliable is EtG testing? |
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No false positives or interferences have been reported to date when using LC/MS/MS. The presence of EtG in body fluids is proof of exposure to ethyl alcohol. Incidental exposure (ethanol based medication, food sources, mouthwash, etc) could result in low level positives. The “normal” use of hand sanitizers @ 62% ethanol has not been reported to give a positive result above 500 ng/mL, but anecdotal reports suggest health professionals or other heavy users may exceed that level. Further investigation is underway, but using a reporting cutoff of 250 ng/mL or 500 ng/mL should minimize this issue (positives due to incidental exposure). |
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Can the EtG results tell me how much ethanol has been consumed? |
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Again, any positive result means ethanol has been processed by the liver. EtG production is variable among individuals, so care must be taken not to try to read too much into the data from a randomly collected specimen, such as trying to tie a specific level to a specific amount of alcohol exposure. While a positive result is reliable evidence of recent ethanol intake, the actual level detected is a function of the amount of alcohol consumed, the time interval since the last use and the individual’s specific liver enzyme activity. In general, the higher the result the more recent and/or heavy the consumption has been. |
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How stable is EtG in a urine specimen? |
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EtG is stable in a urine specimen at room temperature for at least 4 days. Exposure to heat has been shown to actually increase the stability of EtG. There is nothing known to spontaneously produce EtG in a stored specimen. Because certain bacteria such as E. coli have glucuronidase activity, EtG is not stable in a specimen containing these bacteria (i.e., a urinary tract infection or specimen contamination). EtG will be slowly degraded by the bacteria, such that a false negative result may occur if testing is delayed more than four days for this type of specimen. |
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How can I get more information on EtG testing or other topics? |
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For additional information regarding this or other tests please contact our technical support staff at (800) 442-0438. Since 1987 STERLING Reference Laboratories, located in Tacoma, Washington, has been an industry leader in drug and alcohol testing services. Fully accredited by the College of American Pathologists, STERLING offers a full suite of forensic testing for companies, government agencies, health care services, rehabilitation centers and correctional facilities. Our commitment to accuracy and personalized service translates to the assurance and confidence that our clients demand. |
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Note: EtG (Ethylglucuronide) is a sensitive biomarker of ethyl alcohol (EtOH) exposure; a low-level positive EtG could result from sources other than beverage alcohol. |
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Copyright © MMVI by Sterling Reference Laboratories — All Rights Reserved
Sterling Reference Laboratories, 2617 East L Street Suite A, Tacoma, WA 98421
Phone: 800-442-0438 Fax: 253-552-1549 Email: marketing@regtox.com |
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