Laboratory testing for very recent alcohol exposure
Detect ethanol within urine following recent alcohol consumption.
Results are usually available within one working day.
Book Your Urine Test Check whether this test suits youSample
Urine
Typical window
Around 24 hours
Results
Usually 1 working day
Attendance
Walk-in after confirmation
This laboratory test measures ethanol present within urine.
Ethanol is the alcohol contained within alcoholic drinks.
Only a small amount leaves the body unchanged through urine.
Testing is most useful soon after alcohol consumption.
Check for ethanol following very recent alcohol consumption.
Obtain confidential laboratory testing for personal reassurance.
Suitable when an organisation specifically requests urine ethanol.
May support cases requiring documented recent alcohol testing.
Confirm the required test and reporting standard before ordering.
Urine ethanol is generally detectable for around 24 hours.
The window depends upon intake, metabolism and sample timing.
Testing later may produce a negative result despite earlier drinking.
Choose EtG when a longer recent-use window is required.
Choose the test matching the required assessment period.
| Test | Typical period | Sample | Common purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Urine alcohol | Around 24 hours | Urine | Very recent ethanol exposure |
| Urine EtG | Approximately 24–72 hours | Urine | Recent exposure over a longer urine window |
| CDT | Approximately 2–3 weeks | Blood | Sustained heavy drinking and DVLA preparation |
| PEth | Approximately 3–4 weeks | Blood | Alcohol exposure over recent weeks |
Assessment periods vary with consumption, metabolism and collection timing.
Urine ethanol does not reliably establish current impairment.
It cannot determine exactly when alcohol was consumed.
It cannot calculate the number of consumed drinks.
Fitness-to-drive decisions require appropriate professional assessment.
The Doctors Laboratory
76 Wimpole Street
London W1G 9RT
Monday–Friday: 7am–7pm
Saturday: 7am–1pm
Sunday: 8am–11am
Walk in during opening hours after receiving confirmation.
Bring original photo identification. Phone images and photocopies are unacceptable.
Results are usually available within one working day.
Laboratory processing begins after receiving your urine sample.
The reviewed report arrives securely by email.
Book early when working towards a legal or workplace deadline.
Results usually arrive within one working day.
Testing uses UKAS-accredited The Doctors Laboratory.
Reports receive review before secure email delivery.
We have streamlined private testing since 2015.
It measures ethanol present within the urine sample.
Urine ethanol is generally detectable for approximately 24 hours.
No. Urine alcohol cannot reliably establish current impairment.
Not reliably. Choose urine EtG for a longer recent-use window.
Yes. Urine concentration and sample timing can affect interpretation.
No. Walk in after receiving your attendance confirmation.
Yes. Bring an original passport or driving licence.
Order online and receive your London attendance confirmation.
Book Your Urine TestDrug Test London has been in business since 2015 streamlining the process of drug and alcohol testing for individuals, solicitors, social workers and companies.
Call us at 0207 871 3015 or email us at enquiry@drugtest.london
All our tests are performed at UKAS accredited The Doctors Laboratory.
Drug Test London is a brand of AIS Health Ltd, Company Number 09835294.