Alcohol detection windows at a glance
| Test type | Approximate detection window |
|---|---|
| Breath (breathalyzer / BAT) | While alcohol is in your system — usually up to ~12–24 hours |
| Blood | Up to ~12 hours |
| Urine (traditional) | Up to ~12–24 hours |
| Saliva | ~12–24 hours |
| EtG (urine) | Up to ~80 hours after drinking |
| Hair (EtG) | Up to ~90 days |
Why EtG detects alcohol so much longer
Your body eliminates alcohol itself at a fairly steady rate — roughly one standard drink per hour — so a breathalyzer only catches recent drinking. But the body also produces ethyl glucuronide (EtG), a byproduct that lingers long after the alcohol is gone. An EtG urine test can detect drinking for up to about 80 hours, which is why courts, probation and abstinence-monitoring programs favor it.
What affects the timing
- How much you drank and over what period
- Your weight, sex and metabolism
- Food in your stomach and hydration
- Which test is used — breath vs. EtG is a huge difference
Court or program requiring alcohol monitoring? We offer evidential breath (BAT) and up-to-80-hour EtG testing. Call or text (559) 272-7953.
Which alcohol test do you need
For current impairment or a DOT alcohol test, a breathalyzer (BAT) is standard. For proving abstinence over a few days — common in family court and probation — an EtG test is the tool. Tell us what your program requires and we'll set it up.
Detection windows are general estimates, not guarantees. Actual times vary widely with dose, how often a substance is used, body weight and metabolism, hydration, the specific test and cutoff level, and individual biology. The only way to know your result is to test. This page is informational and is not medical or legal advice.