EtG urine test: what to know

EtG, short for ethyl glucuronide, is formed when the body processes alcohol. A urine sample can therefore show previous exposure after the alcohol itself is no longer present. The result must be interpreted with the test method, collection conditions, timing, and reason for testing.

An EtG result does not by itself describe exactly how much alcohol was consumed or prove impairment at the time of collection. Some everyday products containing alcohol may matter, including certain mouthwashes, medicines, or sanitising products. Ask the testing service how it handles unexpected results. General background is available in [Urine Test](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/urine-test/).

Follow the collection instructions and disclose prescribed medicines, over-the-counter products, supplements, and relevant personal-care products. Do not dilute, alter, or substitute a sample; unusual handling can affect validity and may require recollection.

If the result has serious personal, employment, legal, or treatment consequences, ask what confirmation process is used and who will explain the findings. Keep a written list of products used around the testing period so the reviewer can consider them alongside the laboratory result.

An EtG test is not an emergency test. Seek medical help for confusion, difficulty staying awake, repeated vomiting, seizures, slow or abnormal breathing, or injury after alcohol use. Contact the testing service promptly if you think the sample was labelled incorrectly or the result conflicts with the agreed testing process.

Ask what the test can and cannot show, which products should be reported, whether an unexpected result can be confirmed, and who will interpret it. Ask whether another assessment is needed for drinking concerns or withdrawal risk.