ETG Calculator
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People who are familiar with DWI cases are familiar with how law enforcement measures the blood alcohol content in suspected DWI offenders. While BAC can serve as a useful indicator of a person’s level of intoxication, it can have severe limitations as they are only accurate to a certain period of time. However, there are other methods that law enforcement can use to determine whether a person has been drinking when they are not supposed to. One such method is Ethyl glucuronide (EtG) testing.
Being charged with an alcohol-related offense on Long Island can carry serious consequences. As of November 6, 2024, New York assigns 11 points on your driving record for any alcohol- or drug-related driving conviction or incident under 15 NYCRR §131.3(b)(1)(iii), on top of criminal penalties. An experienced Suffolk County DWI attorney can help you understand your rights and minimize exposure to points and the other ramifications of a DWI conviction.
Contact the Law Offices of Jason Bassett, P.C. at (631) 259-6060 to schedule a consultation.
In most states, if your ETG is above 500ng/ml you will be at high risk for failing.
NOTE: This calculator is not guaranteed to be 100% accurate and should only be used as a guideline. Calculator property of BSP legal marketing. All rights reserved.
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An ETG calculator estimates the amount of ethyl glucuronide that could be in your urine at a certain time. You enter five things: number of drinks, hours spent drinking, hours until the test, weight, and sex. The tool converts each standard drink into grams of alcohol, models how your body absorbs alcohol while drinking, and applies a typical elimination rate after you stop. That creates an approximate curve for your blood alcohol over time. From that curve, it predicts how much ETG your body may form and excrete.
You will see three results. First is your projected ETG value. Second is the cutoff hour when your level should fall below a common threshold. Third is your predicted ETG at that cutoff hour. Many programs use 500 ng/mL as the line for a positive test, so the calculator flags the risk of testing above that level. The graph shows the expected decline, making it simple to see how waiting longer changes the risk.
Use this as a planning and education tool only. Real tests depend on timing, hydration, creatinine correction, and the lab’s method. Small changes in inputs change the outcome, so treat the numbers as estimates, not guarantees.
If you are facing a DWI or a probation alcohol screen in Suffolk County, talk to a lawyer. We can look at your timeline, receipts, testing paperwork, and the lab’s cutoff to evaluate the result and challenge weak conclusions when appropriate.
Jason Bassett, Esq. is a Suffolk County DWI and criminal defense attorney who has devoted his career to standing up for people against powerful institutions, prosecutors’ offices, police departments, jails, government agencies, corporations, and insurance companies. He defends clients in both New York State and federal courts, bringing a calm, strategic presence to high-stakes situations such as DWI and DUI charges.
With more than 21 years of courtroom experience, Mr. Bassett blends skill, preparation, and zealous advocacy to pursue the best possible result in every case. In addition to defending a full range of criminal matters, he also fights for victims of excessive force and false arrest, offering a steady hand and clear guidance from first consultation through resolution.
Ethyl glucuronide (EtG) is a compound produced by the liver when it digests alcohol in a person’s system. When a person consumes alcohol and the liver digests it, the liver produces EtG, and it stays in the body until it is passed through urine.
EtG is a biomarker. Biomarkers are byproducts produced by the human body that can indicate whether a person has been exposed to other chemicals, is ill, or has an infection. When a person’s urine is tested and is positive for the presence of EtG, it serves as evidence that the person has consumed or been exposed to alcohol.
EtG is typically detectable in urine for up to 80 hours (about 3–4 days), depending on how much was consumed and the test cutoff; detections beyond 80 hours occur mainly in unusual, heavy-drinking cases. Breath and blood tests measure current alcohol and have much shorter windows, so EtG is not a measure of current impairment.
| Test Parameter | Typical Range or Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Detection window (urine) | 24 to 72 hours, up to 80 hours in many cases | Heavier drinking or slower metabolism can extend detection time |
| Extended detection cases | Up to 120 hours (5 days) | Usually tied to heavy or chronic alcohol use |
| Common cutoff level | 500 ng/mL EtG | Standard cutoff used in many testing programs |
| Lower cutoff levels | 100–300 ng/mL | Detects lighter exposure but increases chance of false positives |
| Incidental exposure | Possible at lower cutoffs | Can occur from mouthwash or hand sanitizer use |
Because EtG testing is highly sensitive, it is widely used to monitor abstinence; however, SAMHSA has cautioned since 2006, and reaffirmed in its 2012 Advisory, that EtG should not be used as the sole evidence of drinking in legal or disciplinary actions. Some programs or instances where EtG testing can be imposed include the following:
Health professionals have also argued that while EtG testing can be a viable test for determining whether a person has been exposed to alcohol, the test has no way of indicating how the person was exposed to alcohol. EtG testing results only indicate that alcohol was digested by the liver, and there are many ways in which a person’s body can produce EtG even without the consumption of alcohol.
Incidental exposure to ethanol can produce low EtG values, especially at low cutoffs. Documented sources include ethanol-containing mouthwash, frequent use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers, and some cough/cold syrups. Trace ethanol exists in certain foods (e.g., fruit juices, breads), but programs using a 500 ng/mL cutoff are intended to minimize positives from such foods and routine non-beverage exposures.
Auto-brewery syndrome (rare) can produce endogenous ethanol and complicate abstinence monitoring. Diabetes itself does not cause EtG positives; however, in poorly controlled diabetes with glucose in the urine plus yeast/bacterial growth, in-sample fermentation or post-collection processes can create ethanol and even EtG. Conversely, urinary tract infections involving E. coli can break down EtG, leading to false-negative results. To account for this, laboratories also measure the more stable EtS and follow appropriate preservation and handling protocols.
EtG results cannot determine how much was consumed or whether someone was impaired at a specific time; they only indicate recent ethanol exposure. Breath or blood alcohol tests are the tools used to assess impairment close to the time of driving.
The tests also do not measure how much a person has drunk, only that they have a high amount of EtG in their system. The amount of EtG in a person’s body can be further influenced by the person’s age, body mass, whether they are dehydrated, and how fast their body can metabolize alcohol.
Programs commonly use EtG urine cutoffs of 100, 250, 500, or 1,000 ng/mL. Many courts and labs use 500 ng/mL to reduce positives from incidental exposure, and labs often confirm with EtS to improve specificity. A result above 500 ng/mL is generally interpreted as recent drinking, though policies vary by program.
However, it is important to remember that for cases requiring total abstinence, either as part of probation requirements or a legal sentence, having any EtG detected in a test can be considered a violation. Seeking the help of an experienced Long Island DWI attorney can be crucial in avoiding any legal complications and putting your freedom in jeopardy.
Suffolk County criminal defense attorney Jason Bassett has a long and proven record of providing quality legal assistance to Long Island residents who have been charged with an offense. He is closely familiar with the legal strategies law enforcement and prosecutors can use and has established a reputation as a trial-ready Suffolk County attorney. Our team of legal professionals may be able to help investigate the circumstances of your case and build a personalized legal strategy to secure the best possible outcome. Call Law Offices of Jason Bassett, P.C. today at (631) 259-6060.
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