Alcohol biomarkers are used in monitoring alcohol usage. The most common is breath alcohol testing which is done for Department of Transportation drug and alcohol testing requirements. Companies can also implement alcohol testing in their Non-DOT drug testing policy. Alcohol can be added to drug testing in random selection, post-accident, and reasonable suspicion testing. One other method called an EtG (Ethyl Glucuronide) test detects the presence of ethyl glucuronide in a urine sample. EtG tests are too sensitive to distinguish between actual alcohol consumption and alcohol exposure in small amounts. They are not commonly used in employer drug testing programs but more for monitoring individuals who are legally prohibited from drinking alcohol by the justice system. Evidence shows however that Etg’s should not be used as the primary or sole evidence that the person has been drinking.
Minert & Associates helps companies comply with drug testing compliance and efficiently designs testing policy and manages testing programs in Seattle, Portland and Boise.
