Urine Alcohol Concentration

Specimen Required

Fasting Required

Purpose of the Test

Urine alcohol concentration testing may be ordered when a healthcare practitioner suspects that someone has consumed alcohol and wants to monitor their alcohol use or determine if they have an alcohol-related problem.

When this test is required

Urine alcohol concentration testing may be requested by a healthcare practitioner or an employer in the case of workplace drug testing. It may also be ordered by a court or requested by an addiction treatment program.

What the Test Detects

The urine alcohol concentration test measures the amount of alcohol in a person’s urine. It is used to detect recent alcohol consumption or to monitor a person’s alcohol use over time.

Preparation for the Test

There is no specific preparation required for this test. However, the person being tested should avoid consuming alcohol for at least 24 hours before the test.

Sample Requirements

A random urine sample is collected in a sterile container for urine alcohol concentration testing.

Additional Notes

Urine alcohol concentration testing is not a substitute for blood alcohol testing, which is the gold standard for detecting recent alcohol use. Urine alcohol concentration testing may produce false positive results if a person has consumed foods or medications that contain alcohol.

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