Detection Times for Urinary Ethyl Glucuronide and Ethyl Sulfate in Heavy Drinkers during Alcohol Detoxification

• DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agn084
• Publication Date: 2008-10-30T00:55:17Z
• Authors: A. Helander; M. Bottcher; C. Fehr; N. Dahmen; O. Beck
• Keywords: Ethyl glucuronide

Ethyl glucuronide (EtG) and ethyl sulfate (EtS) are conjugated ethanol metabolites formed in low amounts after alcohol consumption. Compared with ethanol, EtG EtS excreted urine for a prolonged time, making them useful as sensitive biomarkers. This study determined the detection times alcoholic patients undergoing detoxification.Alcohol-dependent (n = 32) an initial concentration >or=1 g/L based on breath testing were followed during detoxification. Urine samples determination of EtG, EtS, creatinine collected admission to hospital thereafter once daily several days. measurements performed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) also using immunochemical assay (DRI-EtG EIA, ThermoFisher/Microgenics).The time urinary was weakly correlated (r 0.434, P 0.013) (range 1.0-3.4 g/L). For individual range until return below applied cut-off limit (<0.5 mg/L) approximately 40-130 h (median 78) similar course observed EtS. After correction dilution, EtG/creatinine ratio <0.5 mg/g 40- 90 65). The estimated zero 30-110 66) 30- 70 56) EtG/creatinine. results LC-MS immunoassay good agreement.During detoxification, remained detectable showed wide inter-individual variations, adjusting values dilution completed elimination.