Alcohol etg - Saliva test

Nurses Recovery

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I’m in monitoring/probation and instead of urine screens, we have the option to use oral/saliva swabs that’s recorded on an app and then you send it in to test for drugs and alcohol etg.

the brand is Intercept by Orasure.  
 

how is the detection period/time length of detecting etg for alcohol vs urine?  I know urine is the gold standard.   Old studies show etg in oral fluid only lasts 24 hours but I heard technology has improved since then?

Specializes in PCU/oncology.

Thank you! I've been in Peer Assistance (PAS) here in CO for almost two years. I'm done in January. I had a pre employment drug screen that was positive for THC. 

I thought using THC/CBD for sleep my best option, as my MD was hesitant to use ambien any longer. He actually recommended it for me. He suggested that, and to drink a couple glasses of wine. Of course not together, but he was really pushing for less RX measures to help with the insomnia/restless legs I've been dealing with since I had my first child in 1999. 

I was switched to saliva tests after I went through a 24 hour urine, to prove my urine creatinine was naturally on the lower side. After a long day at the hospital, it was becoming impossible to produce a sample that wasn't dilute. 

It has literally been one thing after another with this whole situation. 

I am such a "normal" person. I work out regularly, snowboard, rock climb, spend time with my kids. Yet, this has pushed me to a level of anxiety, I've never felt before. It has really just made me feel insecure and scared. I don't have a problem, I never had, with anything, other than an adrenaline junky. LOL. I'm a avid CO outdoors person. I used to enjoy life, now I just live worrying about how bad this all feels. It is defining me and it's not realistic. I know this, but can't shake it. 

Thanks for the information and to do a little venting. 

 

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Got it!  Yeah, so from everything I read and trying to find out info, Saliva etg tests are not equivalent to urine Etg tests.  Urine etg tests remains the "gold standard."  Seems like saliva etg tests, even when analyzed at a lab, wouldn't give any hint of Etg (if drinking) past 24 hours. 

I know in SC (SCRPP) the monitoring programs have not allowed Saliva Etgs starting from Jan this year, but they did during the last 2 years for covid.  So I guess that's a sign also that Saliva tests are not that great for finding alcohol use.

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Specializes in student.

How close to the 24 mark have you gone without failing the saliva etg test? Have you ever had less than 24 hours and still passed? Thank you

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