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Other causes of failed PEth test for alcohol abuse?
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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Hi @mama619 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I am sorry you are having a hard time with your custody dispute. That does sound extremely draining.
You'll see that I moved your post to an established discussion where many many members have discussed PEth testing. I did this so you can meet people like @toolsd, @melanie6598, @jetpilot19, @bamagunner, and @essh (who is also new to the group).
Have you researched false positive PEth tests?
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1 ReactionThank you, yes I have! Everything is so conflicting, I'm not sure where to start in proving this isn't accurate. It's discouraging to see so many have similar experiences.
1. You’re right, info is conflicting. By some standards a 121 is a low positive. Peth is absolutely worthless in the context of your overall drinking habits by itself. Period. You WONT find a learned opinion that it is.
2. Trusty old Lab Corps recently produced a positive test like yours and it wasn’t the guy’s blood as shown with DNA testing... so there’s that.
3. Greg Skipper talks a lot about individual PLD variance that affects these results. Ted Shultz talks a lot about individual hematocrit variance that also affects results. I’m certain your PLD levels and hematocrit weren’t recorded at the time of your test...
4. I’ll private message you so you can get in touch with me if you wish. I can provide you with expert opinions concerning PETH testing that might sway the GAL to the inefficacy of this sham test.
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1 ReactionOh... it was today. Consider another one. It’s level will help decipher if it’s a false positive, or if you just produce a lot of PETH...
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1 ReactionBy the way, 121 does seem odd for 4 beers and a bunch of NyQuil. No one really knows. Chronic heavy drinking shows up all over the place, not just in one PETH test. There’s CDT, liver tests, cognitive tests, etc.
Only gullible people believe this test on its own. Spoiler alert, James Bond truth serum isn’t real!!!! It’s just a movie. Geesh...
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1 ReactionMama1619 I too went through something similar unfortunately I was not able to combats the PETH results through my attorney and lost thousands of dollars. Family Law Judges don’t want to hear the lack of evidence behind this testing modality. Best to remain abstinent and my recommendation is to donate blood prior to the PETH test. PETH is carried on red blood cells. The less you have the less PETH in your blood. But try to donate relatively close to the test so that your levels are still low.
Stay strong mama I know how hard this is. You’ll get through this.
I am so sorry to hear that. I'm shocked at how corrupt our system is. Abstinence is definitely my route going forward. I'm angry at myself for the splurge. This has been ongoing for 6 months. Eventually it's reached a point where it just seems like a control tactic. After the evaluation and multiple negative tests, I didn't think it would matter. Of course that next Monday I was asked to take the PEth. Thanks for the advice! Hang in there
From all I have read, nothing seems consistent with these tests! For transparency purposes, it wasn't even alot of Nyquil/Dayquil, taken as prescribed. Makes no sense. I'm thinking of getting every test in the book to combat this.
Yes, got the results yesterday and had a hard attack. I've seen that level listed as, occasional, social and another that states it indicates 2 binges a day. I'm definitely going to get another one at a different lab.
Thank you so much!