Alcohol can stay in your system for varying lengths of time depending on the type of test used and individual factors such as metabolism, amount consumed, body composition, and drinking habits. Detection times by test type:
- Blood: Alcohol is detectable for up to 6 to 12 hours after consumption
- Breath: Detectable for about 12 to 24 hours, with breathalyzers typically able to measure alcohol up to 24 hours after drinking
- Urine: Alcohol can be detected for 12 to 24 hours with standard testing, but more sensitive tests (like ethyl glucuronide, EtG) can detect alcohol metabolites up to 3 to 5 days or even 72+ hours after heavy drinking
- Saliva: Detectable for up to 12 to 24 hours
- Hair: Alcohol metabolites can be detected in hair follicles for up to 90 days, reflecting long-term use
Additional details:
- The liver metabolizes alcohol at an average rate of about one standard drink per hour, but this varies by individual factors such as age, weight, sex, genetics, and food intake
- Heavy or chronic drinking can extend detection times because alcohol accumulates in the body
- Factors like drinking on an empty stomach, body fat percentage, hydration, and health conditions can influence how long alcohol remains detectable
In summary, alcohol is typically cleared from the bloodstream within about 12 hours, but depending on the testing method, it can be detected in urine for several days and in hair for months after consumption
