The EtG urine alcohol test is in widespread use. But the test is unreliable. That’s the warning from SAMSHA. (The U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.)
Overview
I. Federal Warning
II. Falsely Accused
III. EtG Innacurate
IV. Resources
The urine test is for testing compliance of people who are not to drink alcohol.
I. Federal Warning
The federal agency has issued an official warning. The test is so sensitive that it can give falsely positive results. It can result from any of these or other things.
Using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Taking medication containing alcohol.
Eating food containing alcohol. For example, the test might report alcohol consumption if a person drinks orange juice that’s too old.
These are just several of the many sources of false results.
II. Falsely Accused
See Also
How Long Can Urine Alcohol Tests Detect Drinking?
Alcohol Tests (Hair, Saliva, Sweat): What You Need to Know.
Unreliable Breathalyzer Test Results.
Stopped for Drunk Driving? What to Expect, What to Do, and Not Do.
III. EtG Inaccurate
The EtG urine alcohol test is inaccurate. SAMSHA warns “legal or disciplinary action based solely on a positive EtG … is inappropriate.” It asserts that such action is scientifically unsupportable. Instead, it recommends that a positive test result solely a starting point. A broad investigation into possible alcohol beverage consumption should begin.
This recommendation, if followed, would appear to protect both the public welfare and the rights of test-takers.
IV. Resources
Reading
Karch, S.B. Forensic Issues in Alcohol Testing. Boca Raton: CRC Press, 2008.
Reference
Helliker, K. Federal agency says urine-alcohol test isn’t totally reliable. WSJ, Oct 5, 2006.