ETG testing and breath alcohol testing serve different purposes. Breathalyzers measure current alcohol concentration, while ETG testing can identify alcohol consumption that occurred hours or days earlier.
Breathalyzer Testing
Measures:
- Current alcohol concentration
- Immediate impairment
Typical Detection Window:
- Several hours
ETG Testing
Measures:
- Alcohol metabolites
Typical Detection Window:
- Up to approximately 80 hours
Why Courts Often Use ETG Testing
Many courts require a testing method that can monitor compliance beyond the short detection period offered by breath testing.
Which Test Is More Appropriate?
The appropriate test depends on the monitoring objective, court requirements, and testing program.
FAQ
Can ETG detect alcohol after a breathalyzer is negative?
Yes, ETG metabolites may remain detectable after alcohol is no longer measurable in breath.
Is ETG testing accepted by family courts?
Many courts and monitoring programs utilize ETG testing as part of compliance monitoring.
Is ETG testing more expensive?
Pricing varies by provider and collection requirements.
