Clean Recovery Centers Informs EtG Alcohol Testing

Tampa, FL – The latest installment to the Clean Recovery Centers blog discusses EtG alcohol testing. Their blogs are a free, educational tool to help the Tampa Bay communities understand substance use and the treatment options available.

“BAC stands for blood alcohol content and is the measuring system for alcohol detection practiced in the United States. When alcohol enters the body, it is absorbed into the bloodstream via the lining of the stomach and small intestine. BAC tests can then detect the amount of alcohol by blood volume. If the BAC measures .14%, this means that per 100mL of blood, there is .14 volume of alcohol,” the article starts.

Raising a BAC involves drinking more alcohol. In episodes of binge drinking, the person consumes 4-5 drinks in one sitting. This causes BAC to rise, even after drinking has stopped. This is because the liver can only process around 1 drink per hour, and even when drinking has ended, the liver is still trying to process the large amount within the body. Alcohol poisoning can happen during episodes of binge drinking, and should be treated by medical professionals.

Heavy drinking is defined as 15 or more drinks per week for men and 8 or more drinks per week for women. While BAC doesn’t necessarily rise to dangerous levels during heavy drinking sessions, the physical and mental effects are more noticeable. Mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety can begin or worsen. There is the possibility of a DUI charge or legal troubles from blackouts during drinking episodes as well.

“There are different types of alcohol tests. Urine tests are standard for those on probation, those looking for a new job, and even teenagers being tested by concerned parents. With EtG testing, alcohol can be detected for a longer time than standard 12-panel drug screens. EtG stands for ethyl glucuronide, which is a byproduct of alcohol mixed with glucuronide. Glucuronide is produced by the liver and binds to toxins and substances to help them be excreted from the body. A 12-panel drug screen does not test for alcohol, but the metabolites alcohol detoxification produces can trigger a positive result. EtG testing is specific for alcohol, and can detect as little as consuming one drink over 48 hours later. EtG tests are commonly used during probation and court-ordered scenarios for this reason, as alcohol can still be detected even days after consumption,” the article continues.

Another common type of alcohol test is a breathalyzer. A breathalyzer test involves a device that when the person blows through a straw, it measures the BAC level. The legal limit in the United States is under .08. A breathalyzer works by measuring the breath ratio to blood alcohol, which is 2100:1. The alcohol level in 2100mL of breath will be equal to the alcohol level in 1mL of blood. This means a breathalyzer measures as grams per 210 liters of breath.

Blood tests for alcohol levels are not very common as they are invasive and not cost-effective. Alcohol can be detected in blood for approximately 12 hours after the last drink. This type of test is mainly used when a breathalyzer cannot be given, such as for those who have lost consciousness from too much alcohol.

Clean Recovery Centers is a full-spectrum substance use disorder and mental health treatment provider. Each of their locations has housing options for those who need it. Their unique, three-phase approach to treatment addresses all aspects of addiction. Treatment paths can be adjusted to the unique needs of their clients, as well as allow mental health to become the primary diagnosis. They have helped hundreds of Floridians to get clean, live clean, and stay clean.

Those who want to learn more about Clean Recovery Centers can call (888) 330-2532 or visit their website.