ETG Calculator
Estimate a planning window for ethyl glucuronide (ETG) urine screening based on standard drinks and time since your last drink. Results are illustrative—not a guarantee of test outcome.
FAQ for this calculator
- What is ETG?
- Ethyl glucuronide is a metabolite formed when the body processes ethanol. Urine ETG tests look for recent alcohol use over a longer window than breath tests.
- How long does ETG stay positive?
- Light drinking may clear in ~24–48 hours for some people; heavier use can show 72–80+ hours on sensitive panels. Hydration, liver health, and cutoff levels all matter.
- Is this calculator legally reliable?
- No. Courts, employers, and treatment programs rely on certified labs—not online estimates.
- What is a standard drink?
- In the U.S., one standard drink is typically defined as ~14 grams of pure alcohol (about 12 oz beer at 5% ABV).
How to use the ETG calculator
ETG (ethyl glucuronide) is a direct alcohol metabolite detectable in urine longer than ethanol. This tool applies a simplified hours-per-drink planning model—not a pharmacokinetic simulation.
- Enter how many standard drinks were consumed in the episode.
- Add hours since the last drink.
- Pick standard (500 ng/mL) or sensitive (100 ng/mL) cutoff if known.
When to use this calculator
- Understanding why urine tests can remain positive after sober breath readings.
- Education on ETG vs traditional alcohol screening windows.
- Rough planning discussions with a clinician—not for evading tests.
Examples & walkthrough
- 3 drinks, 24 hours ago, standard cutoff → may still fall in detectable window for some panels.
- 0 drinks → planning window clears immediately in this model.