Beschreibung
The EtG alcohol test is a rapid urine test for the orientational detection of ethyl glucuronide (EtG) in urine. EtG is a direct alcohol metabolite and can often remain detectable in urine longer than ethanol itself. As a screening tool, the test provides quick practical guidance to assess a situation at an early stage – for example in the context of a private check or an orientational abstinence review. The result can usually be read after 3–5 minutes.
The key facts at a glance:
- Quick & easy: result in 3–5 minutes.
- Discreet: shipping from Switzerland in neutral packaging.
- Orientational screening: useful for an initial assessment after suspected alcohol consumption.
- Cut-off: 500 ng/ml.
- Scope of delivery: 1 test strip & instructions.
How to use the EtG urine test – step by step
- Collect the urine sample in a clean container (e.g. a cup).
- Dip the test strip into the urine sample up to the marked line (not above) for approx. 10–15 seconds.
- Remove the strip and place it flat on a clean, dry surface.
- Read the result after 3–5 minutes (no later than 10 minutes).
Important: results read after more than 10 minutes are no longer reliable. The sample should be as fresh as possible and not unnecessarily diluted.
▶ Guide / knowledge hub
▶ Avoid common mistakes
▶ FAQ on drugs & testing
Result interpretation
Negative: Two lines (C + T) visible → no indication of EtG above the cut-off value. A faint test line (T) is generally considered negative.
Positive: Only the control line (C) is visible → indication that EtG may be present above the cut-off value.
Invalid: No control line (C) visible → test invalid, please repeat with a new test strip.
Frequently asked questions about the EtG urine test (FAQ)
How long can EtG remain detectable in urine?
What does the EtG test detect exactly?
What does a faint second line mean?
Can the EtG test be falsely positive?
Is the EtG test suitable for legal or medical decisions?
What should I do if the result is positive?
Is the test suitable for abstinence monitoring?
Quick facts about the EtG urine test
| Test type | Urine test strip (qualitative screening test) |
| Target analyte | Ethyl glucuronide (EtG) in urine |
| Cut-off (reference value) | 500 ng/ml (according to the manufacturer’s IFU) |
| Result time | approx. 3–5 minutes |
| Scope of delivery | 1 test strip & instructions |
| Storage | 2–30 °C, store in a dry place (according to package insert / IFU) |
| Shelf life | Observe the expiry date / EXP on the packaging |
Advice & next steps – What should I do if the result is positive?
A positive screening result can be unsettling. It is important to remember that rapid tests provide quick guidance and help assess the next steps. If the result is positive, it is advisable to repeat the test (new sample, new test strip). If the result may have consequences – for example medical, professional, traffic-related or legal – a confirmatory analysis is advisable.
Practical help: Reading the drug test correctly – positive, negative or invalid?
Support: Confidential support services in Switzerland can be found via the knowledge area and counselling resources.
Detectability of EtG in urine (guideline values)
The detection time of ethyl glucuronide (EtG) in urine depends, among other things, on the amount consumed, drinking pattern, time of consumption, metabolism, fluid intake and the cut-off. The following information represents guideline values – individual variations are possible.
| Consumption profile | Typical detectability in urine* | Note |
| Light / one-time consumption | often approx. 24–48 hours | depends on amount, timing and cut-off |
| Moderate consumption | often up to approx. 48–72 hours | individual differences are possible |
| Higher / repeated consumption | sometimes longer | with high or repeated alcohol consumption, the window may be longer |
*Guideline values may vary individually and also depend on the cut-off used.
What is measured in the EtG test?
The test is designed to qualitatively detect ethyl glucuronide (EtG) in urine. EtG is a direct metabolite of ethanol and is often used to assess recently occurred alcohol consumption retrospectively. It is a screening tool for orientational assessment – not a legally defensible or medically final analysis.
Background knowledge: Guide & knowledge hub • Detectability & cut-offs.
Possible influencing factors
As with other screenings, application errors, unsuitable samples or special circumstances may affect the informative value of the result. The information in the relevant instructions for use is always decisive.
| Possible factor | Why is it relevant? |
| Highly diluted sample | May reduce the concentration in urine and decrease the informative value of a screening result. |
| Reading time exceeded | After more than 10 minutes, non-specific discolorations may occur. |
| Application errors | Incorrect immersion time, contaminated sample or incorrect storage may affect the result. |
| Exposure to alcohol-containing products | Depending on the intensity and situation, this may be relevant in individual cases; for important questions, laboratory confirmation is advisable. |
Note: For questions with relevant consequences, confirmation by a qualified analysis is advisable.
Screening test vs. legally defensible analysis
This EtG urine test is a screening test for orientational assessment. For questions with binding consequences – for example in medicine, employment or law – a confirmatory analysis in a qualified laboratory is required.
Technical background & sources
The content is based on publicly accessible professional sources as well as the respective manufacturer’s IFU (instructions for use). It serves for orientation and does not replace individual advice.
- PubMed – Ethyl glucuronide: a biological marker for recent alcohol consumption (technical background on EtG as an alcohol marker)
- PMC – Using Ethyl Glucuronide in Urine to Detect Light and Heavy Drinking (cut-off logic and detection windows)
- Mayo Clinic Laboratories – Ethyl Glucuronide Confirmation (EtG / EtS in urine, laboratory context)
- Infodrog – Alcohol (Swiss context, counselling & classification)
- FOPH – Addiction & health (Swiss public health context)
- Manufacturer IFU (instructions for use) of the respective test variant (cut-off, procedure, reading time, influencing factors).
Note: This EtG urine test is a screening tool for quick orientation. It helps assess a situation at an early stage and weigh up the next steps. For questions with binding consequences, a confirmatory analysis in a qualified laboratory may be useful.
Content editorially reviewed and updated on: 11.03.2026 – Toxcontrol Diagnostik
