Question 1

What does an ETG test card detect?

Accepted Answer

ETG (ethyl glucuronide) is a direct metabolite of alcohol that forms in the liver after drinking. Unlike breathalyzers that detect alcohol itself, ETG remains in urine long after alcohol has left the body - up to 80 hours after heavy drinking. This extended detection window is why ETG testing catches drinking that breathalyzers miss.

Question 2

How long does ETG detect alcohol use?

Accepted Answer

Detection time depends on how much someone drank. Light drinking (2-3 drinks) is typically detectable for 12-24 hours. Moderate drinking (4-6 drinks) extends to 24-48 hours. Heavy drinking can be detected for 48-80 hours. The commonly cited 80-hour window applies primarily to heavy or chronic drinkers.

Question 3

What's the difference between 300 ng/mL and 500 ng/mL cutoffs?

Accepted Answer

Lower cutoffs (300 ng/mL, like this product) provide higher sensitivity - they catch more drinking episodes. Higher cutoffs (500 ng/mL) reduce false positive risk from incidental exposure but may miss lighter drinking. Programs prioritizing strict abstinence monitoring typically prefer the 300 ng/mL cutoff.

Question 4

Can hand sanitizer or mouthwash cause false positives?

Accepted Answer

At the 300 ng/mL cutoff, heavy hand sanitizer use in poorly ventilated areas or alcohol-containing mouthwash could theoretically produce positive results. However, research on typical use patterns shows false positive rates remain low. Programs concerned about incidental exposure can use 500 ng/mL cutoff products or require confirmation testing for consequential decisions.

Question 5

How accurate are these ETG test cards?

Accepted Answer

Over 98% accuracy compared to GC/MS laboratory confirmation methods. Like all immunoassay screening tests, presumptive positive results should be confirmed by laboratory methods before taking significant adverse action against an individual.

Question 6

How do I read the results?

Accepted Answer

Two lines (control and test) = negative. One line (control only) = presumptive positive. No line at the control position = invalid test, repeat with new card. Results should be read at 5 minutes - don't interpret after 10 minutes.

Question 7

What does Forensic Use Only mean?

Accepted Answer

Forensic Use Only means this product is designed for compliance monitoring (probation violations, sober living rules, custody conditions) rather than making medical diagnoses. It has not undergone FDA 510(k) clearance but is appropriate for law enforcement, corrections, drug courts, sober living facilities, and related forensic applications where evidentiary protections exist.

Question 8

Who can purchase forensic use only ETG test cards?

Accepted Answer

Eligible purchasers include law enforcement agencies, probation/parole departments, drug courts, correctional facilities, juvenile detention centers, sober living facilities, child protective services, and laboratories performing forensic testing. Healthcare providers making clinical diagnoses and DOT-regulated employers are not eligible.

Question 9

Can these be used for DOT testing?

Accepted Answer

No. Department of Transportation regulations require breath alcohol testing for safety-sensitive transportation employees. ETG testing is appropriate for non-DOT programs and return-to-duty monitoring where extended detection windows are needed.

Question 10

Why use single-panel ETG cards instead of multi-panel cups with ETG?

Accepted Answer

Cost. Multi-panel cups with ETG cost $2.50-$4.00 each. Single-panel ETG cards cost significantly less at volume. If you're already running drug tests separately and just need to add alcohol monitoring, or if you're running an alcohol-only program (like DUI compliance), single-panel cards provide exactly what you need without paying for panels you don't use.

Question 11

How should these cards be stored?

Accepted Answer

Store at room temperature (59-86°F or 15-30°C) in sealed pouches until use. Avoid direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and high humidity. Shelf life is 18-24 months when stored properly - check expiration date on packaging.

Question 12

Where can I buy ETG test cards?

Accepted Answer

At Mercedes Scientific - after completing the Forensic Use Only verification form. This confirms your affiliation with an eligible entity and enables you to purchase. Once verified, order online or contact Mercedes Scientific for volume pricing on larger quantities.