Alcohol / ETG
Ethyl alcohol, or ethanol, is an intoxicating ingredient found in beer, wine, and liquor. Alcohol is produced by the fermentation of yeast, sugars, and starches. Alcohol affects every organ in the body. It is a central nervous system depressant that is rapidly absorbed from the stomach and small intestine into the bloodstream. Alcohol is metabolized in the liver by enzymes, however, the liver can only metabolize a small amount of alcohol at a time, leaving the excess alcohol to circulate throughout the body. The intensity of the effect of alcohol on the body is directly related to the amount consumed.
Ethyl Glucuronide is a direct metabolite of ethanol. Alcohol in urine is normally detected for only a few hours, whereas ETG can be detected up to several days even after the alcohol has been completely removed from the body. Therefore, ETG can be used as a diagnostic indicator for determining recent alcohol use and in monitoring abstinence in people participating in alcohol withdrawal treatment programs.
