OVERVIEW

Purpose: Detection and quantification of the metabolites of alcohol, ethyl glucuronide (EtG) and Ethylsulfate (EtS), in urine.

CLINICAL INFORMATION

This test detects ethyl glucuronide and ethyl sulfate, two ethanol metabolites, to determine recent alcohol consumption within the past three days. It is used for routine drug monitoring, potential overdoses and other purposes. The test is valuable in regulated alcohol use settings like treatment programs, liver transplant clinics, certain professions and educational programs. It can also determine alcohol involvement in criminal activities. Ethanol is a CNS depressant found in alcoholic beverages, causing intoxication and potentially leading to alcohol use disorder, withdrawal or overdose. It is associated with alcohol-related crimes and dangerous interactions with sedative drugs such as barbiturates, benzodiazepines, opioids and antidepressants. Close monitoring of ethanol intake is necessary when using such drugs.

Ethyl glucuronide and ethyl sulfate are specific to ethanol, but false positives may occur from other sources. Testing them together improves accuracy. It's important to note that the test is highly sensitive and false positives can result from incidental exposure to ethanol through mouthwash, food, medications or common products. The test doesn't indicate frequency or quantity of ethanol intake due to its rapid metabolism.

SPECIMEN COLLECTION

Specimen Type: Random Urine
Preferred Collection Container: Non-sterile specimen container
Specimen Required: 3 mL urine; minimum 1 mL

TEST DETAILS

Methodology: Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Compliance Category: Laboratory Developed Test (LDT)
This test was developed and assessed by DMD in compliance with CLIA requirements for its analytical performance characteristics and clinical application. This test has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.
Reference Interval: Negative
Drug/Metabolite Tested:
Drug/Metabolite Cutoff concentration 500 ng/mL
Ethyl glucuronide (EtG) 500 ng/mL
Ethylsulfate (EtS) 250 ng/mL
CPT code(s): 80321
Turnaround Time: 90% < 48 hours, 50% < 24 hours
Clinical Significance: Urine drug test results meeting or exceeding the defined cutoff are reported as positive, while results below the cutoff are reported as negative. Quantitative values obtained from urine drug tests are not suitable for determining drug dosage due to the extensive metabolism and excretion of the drug in urine.

SPECIMEN PROCESSING

Transport Temperature: Refrigerated (preferred) or room temperature overnight shipping.
Specimen Stability: 3 days at room temperature and 14 days at refrigerated and frozen temperatures (to be further confirmed with our validation).
Rejection Criteria: Stability limits exceeded.

Director: Cheryl Hanau, MD; Donald Hall Jr., PhD; Garth Ehrlich, PhD; Yinghua Qiu, PhD, DABCC

Review Date: 08/28/2023

Note: The billing party has sole responsibility for CPT coding. Any questions regarding coding should be directed to the payer being billed. The CPT codes provided by GML are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only.

The information on these pages is provided for general information only and should not be used for diagnosis or treatment, or as a substitute for consultation with a physician or health care professional. If you have specific questions or concerns about your health, you should consult your health care professional.

 
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