Other causes of failed PEth test for alcohol abuse?

Posted by gjones1956 @gjones1956, Nov 14, 2017

My daughter undergoes periodic peth testing for alchohol abuse. She fails regularly, although swears she drinks NOTHING. We have reason to believe she is telling the truth. Assuming she is indeed not drinking, is there a physical condition or ailment that might produce positive peth tests? She is 29, has enlarged lymph nodes, some kind of mysterious condition that gives her severe hives, etc. We are wondering if some type of autoinflammation or autoimmune condition might explain elevated levels. Our daughter is FINALLY discussing this with her regular doctor but if it is some unusual condition a specialist will be needed. The reason the peth test is required is due to a nasty custody dispute with lots of allegations of misconduct. I just want to know if there is ANYTHING other than alchohol consumption that can lead to positive test results. Any thoughts or knowledge of cases? Thanks for reading.

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cp728 | @cp728 | Oct 25, 2023

I’ve been sober over four years, recently submitted a PEth blood dot test, where I was asked to retrieve my own blood sample by thumb pricks and transfer books to paper. It came back positive (36), and I hadn’t ingested alcohol. Please advise how could this happen? My thoughts are contamination from sanitizer or cleaning products on the table I used.

geckoq | @geckoq | Apr 1 3:48pm

In reply to @toolsd "There are now several other published methods for false positives as well. And I know of..." + (show)

@toolsd, thank you for your help thus far.
I am also the victim of a false positive Peth test. My PHP allows us to do the testing at home while being videotaped. I did not know about the "not drying" artifact. Put a ton of blood on the paper, sealed it, then left it overnight in a cold outdoor FedEx box. Everything about fermentation makes a lot of sense. I do have high blood sugar due to my diabetes, so even more so that could possibly happen.

My PHP is forcing me to go get another evaluation, after doing 90 days in rehab last year and remaining completely compliant with my monitoring contract. I am hoping I could be convincing to the evaluators that indeed the whole reason for this mess was due to that false positive PEth test. You mentioned that Talbott Recovery Center has acknowledged that false positives do exist. I am hoping if I get the evaluation there, they would believe me. What do you think?

Distraught lizard....

geckoq | @geckoq | Apr 1 4:15pm

By the way. How do we send PM's? Trying to figure this out.

Laurie, Volunteer Mentor | @roch | Apr 1 6:54pm

In reply to @geckoq "By the way. How do we send PM's? Trying to figure this out." + (show)

@geckoq

to send private msg, click on persons @--- name, unde there picture is link to send msg.

There is also step by step instructions in help center:
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geckoq | @geckoq | Apr 1 7:20pm

Hi. Thank you. The link is not showing up for me. Maybe because I am too new here?

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Apr 1 9:24pm

In reply to @geckoq "Hi. Thank you. The link is not showing up for me. Maybe because I am too..." + (show)

@geckoq, you will be able to initiate a private message (PM) chat in a few days. There is a brief period where new members can't send PMs. We do this to deter spammers and keep the community safe. As a new member you can receive private messages from established members.

geckoq | @geckoq | Apr 3 4:00pm

*sniff sniff*
@toolsd
Aww man Mike! Where are you? Need your help!

Sad lizard...

toolsd | @toolsd | Apr 6 9:01am

Been busy… sorry! PM sent.

bigbri | @bigbri | Apr 16 10:51am

Hi All, I have an upcoming PEth test. I am concerned. Hearing stories of all these false positives is terrifying. Here is what I am worried about, maybe you can help. I am on Testosterone replacement therapy. The multidose vial has 9.4 MG of alcohol as a preservative. I did some research using ChatGPT and found this:

"While benzyl alcohol is not metabolized into ethanol in the body, it can indeed contribute to the formation of phosphatidylethanol (PEth),.
Benzyl alcohol, like other alcohols, can undergo oxidation by alcohol dehydrogenase enzymes in the liver, leading to the formation of benzaldehyde. While benzaldehyde itself is not a significant contributor to PEth formation, it can potentially react with phosphatidylcholine in cell membranes, leading to the formation of benzyl alcohol-derived PEth."

Is this a real concern? Please help. The custody of my children is at stake.

Thank you!
- BigBri

toolsd | @toolsd | Apr 28 8:27am

Oh dear God, never seen nor heard of that before. Honestly, have you brought this to the attention of what ever authority? You have nothing to lose by doing that.

Don’t go all authoritative, just ask them to include your concerns referencing this research into your record ahead of time. Then it’s on THEM. This usually makes them nervous enough to offer alternatives.

Additionally, ask for their WRITTEN PROTOCOL for a disputed positive ahead of time.