EtG Test Best Practices
Everything you need to know about EtG urine testing, including detection windows, myths vs. facts, and how to prepare.
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only. Individual results vary significantly. Our calculator provides estimates, not guarantees. When in doubt, abstain from alcohol completely before any test.
The "80-Hour Rule" Explained
You may have heard that EtG can be detected for up to 80 hours. Here's the truth:
Myth
- • "EtG always stays for 80 hours"
- • "Any drinking will show for 3+ days"
- • "The test is 100% accurate"
Reality
- • 80 hours is the extreme maximum
- • Only applies to very heavy binge drinking
- • Most moderate drinking clears in 24-48 hours
Key insight: For 3-4 drinks, most people will be below the 500 ng/mL cutoff within 24-36 hours, and below 100 ng/mL within 48 hours.
Typical Detection Windows
| Drinking Level | Below 500 ng/mL | Below 100 ng/mL |
|---|---|---|
| Light (1-2 drinks) | 12-18 hours | 24-30 hours |
| Moderate (3-4 drinks) | 18-30 hours | 36-48 hours |
| Heavy (5-7 drinks) | 24-48 hours | 48-72 hours |
| Binge (8+ drinks) | 36-60 hours | 60-80+ hours |
* These are approximate ranges. Use our calculator for a personalized estimate based on your specific situation.
What Helps (And What Doesn't)
Actually Helps
- ✓Time - The only guaranteed factor
- ✓Hydration - Helps general health, may dilute urine slightly
- ✓Rest - Sleep supports liver function
- ✓Healthy liver - Long-term factor
Doesn't Help
- ✗"Detox" drinks - No scientific evidence
- ✗Exercise - Doesn't speed EtG elimination
- ✗Sauna/sweating - EtG is eliminated via urine, not sweat
- ✗Excessive water - May flag as "dilute" sample
Incidental Exposure: What Can Cause False Positives?
At the lower 100 ng/mL cutoff, some products can potentially cause low-level positives:
- • Hand sanitizer (heavy use)
- • Mouthwash
- • Some medications
- • Kombucha
- • Non-alcoholic beer
- • Very ripe fruit
- • Cleaning products
- • Certain cosmetics
- • Paint/varnish fumes
Note: Incidental exposure typically only causes levels below 200 ng/mL. Levels above 500 ng/mL almost always indicate actual alcohol consumption.
Pre-Test Best Practices Checklist
- 1Know your cutoff level
Ask what threshold applies: 100 ng/mL (strict) or 500 ng/mL (standard)
- 2Track your last drink carefully
The exact time of your last drink is crucial for accurate calculations
- 3Stay normally hydrated
Don't over-drink water (can cause dilute sample), but stay hydrated
- 4Avoid incidental exposure
Skip mouthwash, hand sanitizer, and kombucha 24-48 hours before
- 5When in doubt, wait
If your test is scheduled, err on the side of caution with extra time
Get Your Estimate
Ready to calculate your estimated EtG clearance time? Our free calculator uses science-backed formulas for accurate results.
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