Alcohol can be detected in urine for different lengths of time depending on the type of test used and the amount of alcohol consumed:
- Standard ethanol urine tests detect alcohol itself and typically show positive results for up to 12 hours after the last drink for light drinking, and up to 24 hours for heavy drinking
- Advanced urine tests that detect alcohol metabolites, such as Ethyl Glucuronide (EtG) and Ethyl Sulfate (EtS), can detect alcohol consumption for a much longer period, generally between 24 to 72 hours, and in some cases up to 80 hours or more after drinking, especially with heavy use
The detection window varies based on factors like metabolism, age, weight, gender, drinking amount, and liver function. Women and individuals with slower metabolism may retain detectable metabolites longer. Heavy or chronic drinking can extend the detection period as well
. In summary:
- Ethanol urine test: up to 12-24 hours
- EtG and EtS urine tests: 24-72 hours, sometimes up to 80 hours or more after heavy drinking
This means alcohol or its metabolites can be found in urine from about half a day up to 3-4 days after drinking, depending on the test and drinking patterns
