Health
EtG Calculator FAQ
Estimate a urine EtG detection window by standard drinks, elapsed time, drinking pattern, and the cutoff your test uses.
FAQ
Is EtG the same as BAC?+
No. BAC (blood alcohol concentration) measures how much alcohol is currently in your bloodstream and correlates directly with intoxication at a given moment. EtG (ethyl glucuronide) is a metabolite that your body produces as it processes alcohol and can be detected in urine long after BAC has returned to zero. EtG tests look for recent alcohol exposure, not current intoxication.
Why do you show a range instead of one exact hour?+
EtG detection varies significantly between individuals based on metabolism, hydration, liver function, body mass, and genetic factors. Even for the same person, different labs and test methods can produce different results. A range is more scientifically honest than a single time estimate and helps you plan with appropriate caution.
What does 100 vs 250 vs 500 ng/mL mean?+
These are common cutoff thresholds used by testing labs. A 500 ng/mL cutoff is less sensitive and will only flag samples with relatively high EtG levels, producing shorter detection windows. A 100 ng/mL cutoff is much more sensitive and will detect lower EtG levels, producing longer windows. Some programs use 250 ng/mL as a middle ground. Each cutoff serves different program goals and legal contexts.
Why is there a custom cutoff option?+
Not all testing programs use the standard presets. Some use 200, 300, 400, or other intermediate thresholds. The custom cutoff option lets you enter any value between 50 and 1000 ng/mL so the main estimate aligns with your specific test. The comparison cards still show the three common presets for reference.
Can this tell me if I will pass a test?+
No. This calculator provides a rough research-informed estimate only. Actual test outcomes depend on your individual physiology, the specific lab method, the cutoff policy, and many other variables. Never rely on this or any online calculator as a guarantee of a negative test result.
Can incidental exposure matter?+
Some lab guidance and research indicate that non-beverage sources of alcohol — such as mouthwash, hand sanitizer, certain medications, kombucha, or ripe fruit — can produce detectable EtG levels, especially at lower cutoffs like 100 ng/mL. The calculator produces intentionally conservative estimates to account for this possibility, but it cannot predict how incidental exposure might affect your specific sample.
How do drinking patterns affect detection time?+
Drinking pattern affects both peak EtG concentration and the elimination curve. A single session of 3 drinks in 1 hour produces a sharp peak that clears faster. The same 3 drinks spread across 8 hours produce lower peak levels but a slightly prolonged tail. A heavy binge of 8+ drinks produces much higher peak levels and a significantly longer clearance time.