Test Directory

Test Code
CETGS
Test Name
Ethyl Glucuronide, Quantitative, Urine
CPT Codes
AMA 80321, CMS G0480
Expected Turnaround Time
1 - 5 days
Clinical Utility

Useful for the detection of ethanol biomarkers Ethyl Glucuronide and Ethyl Sulfate.

Testing includes identification and quantitation of:

  • Ethyl Glucuronide (EtG)
  • Ethyl Sulfate (EtS)

Interpretive Data: Ethyl Glucuronide (EtG) and Ethyl Sulfate (EtS) are direct metabolites of ethanol. EtG and EtS can be detected up to 80 hours in urine after heavy ethanol consumption. The presence of both metabolites can be used as markers for recent alcohol use. The presence of EtG, alone in urine, is not a unique marker of alcohol consumption. False positive EtG results can occur from microbial formation or from fermentation and false negative EtG results can occur from bacterial degradation. The results are not intended to be used as the sole means for clinical diagnosis or patient management decisions.

Specimen and Container Info

Preferred Specimen Type: Urine 

Preferred Collection Container: Plastic Urine Container (Preservative Free) 

Desired Specimen Volume: 10 mL 

Transport Instructions

Transport to the laboratory refrigerated.

Stability Requirements

Room Temperature

7 days

Refrigerated

7 days

Causes for Rejection

Urine specimens received in tubes containing preservatives will be rejected.

Methodology
Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Limitations

Analyte

Cutoff Concentration (ng/mL)

Ethyl Glucuronide

500

Ethyl Sulfate

100

Performing Location
Roble Road Core Laboratory
Testing Schedule
Routine, 3 times per week