Quick answer: An EtG test detects ethyl glucuronide, an alcohol metabolite, in urine, typically at a 500 ng/mL cutoff, for up to 80 hours after drinking. American Screening Corp in Shreveport, Louisiana ships FDA-cleared, CLIA-waived EtG kits same day nationwide to clinics, courts, and employers. Positive screens are preliminary; confirm by GC/MS or LC-MS/MS laboratory testing.
- What it detects: ethyl glucuronide (EtG), which the body makes only after alcohol exposure. Common cutoffs are 100, 500, and 1,000 ng/mL.
- Who it is for: treatment centers, probation and courts, clinics, employers, and staffing firms that monitor abstinence.
- Where to buy: American Screening Corp supplies kits wholesale and ships nationwide the same day, so you do not need a local storefront.
Is there an EtG test near me?
For a professional buyer, a local store is rarely the right source. Retail shelves seldom carry EtG tests in the quantities a program needs, and they cannot document lot numbers for your files. Ordering from a wholesale supplier gives you consistent lots, written product specifications, and delivery in days.
Need drug tests for your clinic, program or workplace?
American Screening Corp has supplied FDA-cleared, CLIA-waived tests at wholesale pricing since 2004. Popular options:
Ordering 100+ tests? Request volume pricing.
American Screening Corp (ASC) is based in Shreveport, Louisiana, and ships nationwide. Our team supplies drug test cups and other formats to clinics, hospitals, addiction-treatment centers, courts, labs, and employers. Use the contact page to confirm which EtG formats and cutoffs are in stock.
What does an EtG test detect, and what does the result mean?
Ethyl glucuronide (EtG) is a direct metabolite of ethanol. The body produces it only after alcohol exposure, and it stays in urine long after the alcohol itself has cleared. That is why EtG shows drinking that a breathalyzer would miss.
Per the SAMHSA advisory on alcohol biomarkers (as of the 2012 revision), EtG can be found in urine for up to about 80 hours after heavy drinking. Lighter drinking is detectable for a shorter time. A result at or above the cutoff is a preliminary positive, not proof of intentional drinking.
Which EtG cutoff should you choose?
The cutoff sets what the test calls positive. A lower cutoff catches lighter or older exposure but is more likely to flag incidental contact. A higher cutoff reduces that risk but can miss a small amount of drinking.
| Cutoff (ng/mL) | Sensitivity | Typical use | Main consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | Highest | Strict abstinence monitoring | May flag incidental exposure such as alcohol-based products |
| 500 | Moderate | Most treatment, probation, and workplace programs | Common balance between detection and false-flag risk |
| 1,000 | Lower | Programs that want to rule out incidental exposure | May miss light or older drinking |
How do you read and act on an EtG screen?
- Check the lot number and expiration date, and confirm the device is FDA-cleared and CLIA-waived for your use.
- Collect the specimen under your written protocol and record the time.
- Read the result within the window in the package insert, and ignore it after that window.
- Record any line, however faint, per the insert's instructions.
- Treat any positive as preliminary and send the specimen for GC/MS or LC-MS/MS confirmation before acting.
Why confirmation matters
An instant screen is an immunoassay. Confirmation by GC/MS or LC-MS/MS identifies and measures the compound. Many programs also ask the donor about recent exposure to hand sanitizer, mouthwash, and similar products before a decision is made.
What does the FDA and CLIA status mean for buyers?
FDA clearance means the device went through premarket review for its intended use. A CLIA waiver means it is categorized as simple enough for use at sites holding a Certificate of Waiver. Check the status of each product in the FDA and CDC CLIA resources listed below, and ask ASC for the documentation before you standardize on a kit.
Alcohol EtG testing is not part of the DOT 49 CFR Part 40 urine panel, so do not use it for DOT-regulated testing. Use it in non-DOT programs under your own written policy and the laws of your state.
Which format fits your program?
Cups give a single-step collection with a built-in temperature strip. Drug test dip cards suit high-volume sites that want a lower cost per test and flexible handling. ASC also offers private label and lab confirmation for programs that need one source for screening and follow-up.
Employers who pair testing with hiring can also add employment background checks through our sister division, Reveal Background.
Buyer checklist before you order
- Write down the cutoff you need (100, 500, or 1,000 ng/mL) and why.
- Confirm FDA-cleared and CLIA-waived status for the exact catalog item.
- Check the shelf life so the kits will not expire before you use them.
- Set the collection and read-time steps in a written protocol.
- Arrange GC/MS or LC-MS/MS confirmation for every positive screen.
- Define in advance how your program handles a positive result.
- Request volume and private label options for recurring orders.
Frequently asked questions
How long does EtG stay in urine?
EtG is typically detectable for up to about 80 hours after heavy drinking, according to SAMHSA's alcohol biomarker advisory. Light drinking clears sooner. The cutoff and the person's hydration also affect the result.
What is the standard EtG cutoff?
Many programs use 500 ng/mL. Some use 100 ng/mL for strict abstinence monitoring and 1,000 ng/mL to reduce the chance of flagging incidental exposure.
Can I buy EtG tests locally?
Programs usually order wholesale instead. American Screening Corp in Shreveport, Louisiana ships EtG test kits the same day to clinics, courts, and employers nationwide.
Is a positive EtG result final?
No. A positive screen is preliminary. Confirm by GC/MS or LC-MS/MS laboratory testing before taking action, and review any possible incidental exposure.
Sources
- FDA: Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)
- CDC: Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)
- NIAAA: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
This article is general information, not legal or medical advice.
