Wanted to post 2 real-world examples on here since there are so many posts asking about Peth testing and how long it takes to become negative and how many drinks. The 1st example is on the lighter side of drinking and 2nd example is "heavier." I got my own lab tests to do these (order online and pay with credit card, confirmation comes, and then you go to CVS/Walgreens/Labcorp or other labs that the website tells you to).
Wanted to enjoy a few drinks on a Friday - drank 3 standard size drinks (three 1.5 oz measured pours) of Bourbon (40% ABV) within 1.5 hours starting at 6pm on an empty stomach. Had not drank for 6 weeks prior to this episode. After 3 days later, on Monday - Got my own Peth blood test at a lab and the results = negative, below 20ng level of detection.
Another time, went to a tailgate party on a Friday - had 7 standard drinks from 11am to 3pm. Went to a 2nd tailgate party on Saturday, had 7.5 standard drinks from 10am to 3pm. Both days were on an empty stomach. Had not drank for 5 weeks prior to this episode. 10 days later in the morning - Got my own Peth blood test at a lab and the results = 48 ng/ml. So this is above the established medical cutoff of 20ng/ml and considered positive.
I would probably have been negative in ANOTHER 7-10 days if we consider the half-life of Peth is around 4-5 days. So I would have a negative Peth after that fairly heavy drinking episode weekend after 17-20 days. So this also goes in line when they say a Peth blood test "can detect alcohol consumption up to 28 days.” If I drank even heavier, it would maybe take 28 days to get below 20ng/ml.
Conclusions:
-If Peth is near 0, then a light drinking episode will not raise it above the cutoff of 20ng (as my 3 day example above). This is confirmed with a study on the internet as well.
-Heavy drinking 10 drinks or more - You could be negative with Peth after 2 weeks, but really need 3 weeks/21days to be very safe.
-THE MOST IMPORTANT - Peth is additive so ALWAYS need 4 weeks of no drinking so you start with a near 0 Peth level for any chance of passing tests before the 28 day mark
This has been the most helpful Peth info I've found anywhere. It didn't even occur to me to schedule my own peth. Found I can schedule one same day at quest lab. Im going today and it will ease my mind one way or another to get own result before getting it from the powers that be.
Let us know what happens with your test - it will help everyone out. We can also try to see what to do depending on your lab result.
This has been the most helpful Peth info I've found anywhere. It didn't even occur to me to schedule my own peth. Found I can schedule one same day at quest lab. Im going today and it will ease my mind one way or another to get own result before getting it from the powers that be.
I got my own peth test. Here is my situation. Before my term began, I had been drinking probably 3-4 beers or wines per week at one sitting. So I was definitely not starting at 0. The last time I drank was 6 days before term began with the board. It didn't occur to me that they may peth me and that would go back prior to my mandated sobriety date. 9 days before, I had 3 beers and then 2 glass of wine each on days 7 and 6(my last hurrah if you will). My peth from day 13 of not drinking came back at 37. It's been 8 days since that result(I didn't get my result back from quest for 5 days). I should be under 10 by Monday. I'm quite confident the cut off for my state is very low, wouldn't be surprised if its 5. I'm just hoping and praying I get through the next week with no Peth. I hope this is helpful. If you haven't started, get 100% sober a month before you start your contract. It's very scary waking up every day not knowing what test it will be.
Hopefully your Peth Test is negative if selected. There are two reasons to get sober before starting a monitoring program. 1. You mentioned it as that's not having to worry about a positive so getting sober 1 month before is important.
2. The most important is........kind of goes with the purpose of this board. Get sober and don't drink....period.....because getting sober and remaining sober can Literally mean life and death for many on this Board (not all, but many). Again, this applies yo alcoholics.
PassportCruiser
11 Posts
Let us know what happens with your test - it will help everyone out. We can also try to see what to do depending on your lab result.