The occurrence where an Ethyl Glucuronide (EtG) test indicates the presence of alcohol consumption when no alcohol was ingested is a critical concern. This situation arises when the test incorrectly identifies EtG, a biomarker of alcohol, in a sample. For example, the use of alcohol-containing hand sanitizers or certain mouthwashes could potentially lead to such a result, even in the absence of alcohol consumption.
The possibility of an inaccurate positive result holds significant implications across various domains, including legal proceedings, workplace monitoring, and healthcare. A false positive can lead to unjust consequences, such as job loss, revoked privileges, or misdiagnosis. Understanding the factors that contribute to these inaccuracies is crucial for ensuring fairness and accuracy in alcohol testing protocols. Historically, awareness of this issue has grown as the sensitivity of EtG testing has increased, prompting further research into potential sources of contamination and cross-reactivity.
