Determining exactly how long alcohol is detectable in the body depends on many variables, including which kind of drug test is being used. Alcohol can be detected for a shorter time with some tests but can be visible for up to three months in other tests.

The following is an estimated range of times, or detection windows, during which alcohol can be detected by various testing methods:

Breath: Alcohol can be detected in your breath via a breathalyzer test for up to 24 hours.
Urine: Alcohol can be detected in urine for three to five days via ethyl glucuronide (EGT) metabolite or 10 to 12 hours via the traditional method.
Blood: Alcohol can show up in a blood test for up to 12 hours.
Saliva: A saliva test can be positive for alcohol from 24 to 48 hours.
Hair: Like many other drugs, alcohol can be detected with a hair follicle drug test for up to 90 days.

The timetable for detecting alcohol in the system is also dependent upon each individual's metabolism, body mass, age, hydration level, physical activity, health conditions, and other factors, making it almost impossible to determine an exact time alcohol will show up on a drug test.

EtG, known as Ethyl Glucuronide, is a direct metabolite of alcohol. EtG alcohol testing screens for the presence of EtG in urine and hair. This may be used to determine recent ethanol ingestion, even after ethanol is no longer measurable in the body. EtG is only evident when ethanol is ingested and is not produced as a result of fermentation.

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SAFElife™ Drug Test T-Dip® Card with EtG: 3 options

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