EtG Detection Window Chart
A practical reference chart for urine EtG testing. Compare common 100 ng/mL and 500 ng/mL cutoffs, typical drinking scenarios, and the factors that make real test results vary.
Editorial note
This educational page is maintained by EtGCalc and reviewed against published EtG research, SAMHSA guidance, and our calculator methodology. It does not provide medical or legal advice.
Quick answer
EtG can often be detected in urine for about 24 to 72 hours, but the real window depends on drinking amount and the cutoff. A 500 ng/mL cutoff usually produces shorter detection windows. A 100 ng/mL cutoff is more sensitive and can extend detection by 12 to 48 hours or more after heavier drinking.
EtG Detection Window Chart
These are educational ranges, not guarantees. Official results depend on lab method, urine concentration, cutoff policy, and individual biology.
1 standard drink
- 500 ng/mL
- 12-24 hours
- 100 ng/mL
- 24-36 hours
- Note
- Usually short-lived, but stricter cutoffs can extend detection.
2-3 drinks in one evening
- 500 ng/mL
- 24-36 hours
- 100 ng/mL
- 36-72 hours
- Note
- Body weight, sex, and timing can change the estimate.
5+ drinks or binge episode
- 500 ng/mL
- 48-72 hours
- 100 ng/mL
- 72-96 hours
- Note
- Heavy drinking creates a longer tail, especially at 100 ng/mL.
Multi-day heavy drinking
- 500 ng/mL
- 72-96 hours
- 100 ng/mL
- Up to 120+ hours
- Note
- This is the scenario behind many "80 hour" references.
| Drinking pattern | 500 ng/mL window | 100 ng/mL window | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 standard drink | 12-24 hours | 24-36 hours | Usually short-lived, but stricter cutoffs can extend detection. |
| 2-3 drinks in one evening | 24-36 hours | 36-72 hours | Body weight, sex, and timing can change the estimate. |
| 5+ drinks or binge episode | 48-72 hours | 72-96 hours | Heavy drinking creates a longer tail, especially at 100 ng/mL. |
| Multi-day heavy drinking | 72-96 hours | Up to 120+ hours | This is the scenario behind many "80 hour" references. |
100 ng/mL
Sensitive cutoffSome clinical, treatment, custody, or zero-tolerance monitoring programs
Longer detection windows and more gray-zone positives.
500 ng/mL
Common standard cutoffMany workplace, court, and monitoring programs
Shorter detection window and less sensitivity to incidental exposure.
Why the same drinking can produce different EtG timelines
Common interpretation mistakes
Mistake 1: Treating "80 hours" as a universal rule
The 80-hour number is best understood as a broad upper-range warning. It is not the expected window for every person or every drinking event.
Mistake 2: Ignoring the cutoff level
A result that is negative at 500 ng/mL may still be positive at 100 ng/mL. This is why testing context matters.
Mistake 3: Assuming water changes EtG metabolism
Hydration can affect urine concentration, but it does not make your body eliminate EtG faster. Labs may also flag overly dilute samples.
Frequently asked questions
What is the usual EtG detection window in urine?
For many people, urine EtG detection is roughly 24 to 72 hours, but light drinking may clear sooner and heavy or multi-day drinking can last longer, especially at a 100 ng/mL cutoff.
Why do 100 ng/mL and 500 ng/mL cutoffs give different answers?
A 100 ng/mL cutoff is more sensitive, so it can detect lower EtG concentrations for longer. A 500 ng/mL cutoff is less sensitive and usually produces shorter detection windows.
Is the 80-hour EtG rule always true?
No. The 80-hour rule is a broad upper-range warning, not a universal timeline. Light drinking can fall below common cutoffs much sooner, while heavy or repeated drinking can approach or exceed that range.
Can this chart predict an official EtG test result?
No. The chart is educational. Official results depend on the lab method, specimen validity, cutoff policy, individual biology, and program rules.
Related Reading
References
- 1SAMHSA. The Role of Biomarkers in the Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorders, 2012 Revision.
Used for biomarker context, cutoff interpretation, and incidental exposure cautions.
- 2Jatlow et al. Ethyl glucuronide and ethyl sulfate assays in clinical trials, 2014.
Used for urinary EtG and EtS kinetics after alcohol exposure.
- 3McDonell et al. Using ethyl glucuronide in urine to detect alcohol use, 2015.
Used for EtG detection window context in clinical monitoring populations.
Medical & Legal Disclaimer
Not Medical Advice
EtGCalc does not provide diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice. Talk with a qualified healthcare provider about alcohol use, metabolism, testing concerns, or recovery.
Not Legal Advice
EtG testing can affect probation, custody, licensing, and employment decisions. Consult a licensed attorney or your testing program for legal questions.
If You Need Support
In the United States, SAMHSA's National Helpline is 1-800-662-4357. It is free, confidential, and available 24/7.
Calculator output is an estimate, not a test prediction. Individual metabolism, hydration, kidney function, genetics, specimen handling, and lab cutoff policy can change real results. See our methodology and sources.
Calculate your own EtG estimate
A chart is useful for comparison, but your estimate depends on weight, sex, drink count, time since drinking, and cutoff level.
Open EtG Calculator