1. < Mental Health

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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toolsd | @toolsd | Jul 21, 2022

Check private messages.

Tools

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justshocked | @justshocked | Jul 22, 2022
In reply to @fairlaneowner "I have three negative PEth tests and two positive PEth tests, all with no alcohol consumed...." + (show)
@fairlaneowner

I have three negative PEth tests and two positive PEth tests, all with no alcohol consumed. There is a high risk of me losing custody of my kids due to the positives, but my family doctor offered no help. Keep this blog going!

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Hi there I know I’m 3-4 years late just wandering how things turned out! I’m having a similar problem with a failed Peth test that I haven’t had a drink in 2 years but how can you fight the test that everybody is so sold own and you have an imperfect history 😭

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justshocked | @justshocked | Jul 22, 2022
In reply to @johnbishop "Hi @hulalupa -- I would like to add my welcome to Connect along with @lisalucier and..." + (show)
@johnbishop

Hi @hulalupa -- I would like to add my welcome to Connect along with @lisalucier and other members here. The best thing you can do is learn as much as you can about the testing and be a strong advocate for yourself. These links were in earlier posts but I thought I would repeat them here.

Links I've found that point out the problems with the current PEth testing:

Against the Rising Tide: Looking for Biostatisticians and Epidemiologists to help shape Drug-Testing Policy to be more Evidence-Based
— https://disruptedphysician.com/2014/12/01/against-the-rising-tide-looking-for-biostatisticians-and-epidemiologists-to-help-shape-drug-testing-policy-to-be-more-evidence-based/

ETG/ETS – A Physician Criticizes the Tests and Lack of FDA Oversight (law firm website)
— http://www.rockindlaw.com/etgets-a-physician-criticizes-the-tests-and-lack-of-fda-oversight/

Biomolecules and Biomarkers Used in Diagnosis of Alcohol Drinking and in Monitoring Therapeutic Interventions
— https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4598755/

I also found a lot of research information on Google Scholar (https://scholar.google.com/) using the search phrase "peth alcohol test false positive". Here are the search results links:
— https://scholar.google.com/scholar?as_ylo=2018&q=peth+alcohol+test+false+positive&hl=en&as_sdt=1,24&as_vis=1

Hoping you find some answers…

John

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Hello John thanks for the warm welcome! I’m new here and I’m struggling for answers I too received a positive Peth test (finger prick)6/8/22 without consuming alcohol since 2019. I’m devastated because there is so much to me that’s on the line. I actually spoke with toolsd and he’s going to send me some information but I was trying to open up the links that you posted and was unable to do so can you please I don’t know help me with opening the links some type of way!

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justshocked | @justshocked | Jul 22, 2022
In reply to @flyboybray "Anything new on this matter. I tested positive for peth at 28ng and I've been completely..." + (show)
@flyboybray

Anything new on this matter. I tested positive for peth at 28ng and I've been completely clean and sober for almost 4 years?

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Hey there flyboy, have you heard anything about your comment! I tested positive at a38 on. Peth test 6/8/22 and haven’t had anything to drink since 2019. I’m looking for answers like crazy trying to find out what could have happened!

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justshocked | @justshocked | Jul 22, 2022
In reply to @brundle "I am looking into this also for a patient that is adamant they have not drank...." + (show)
@brundle

I am looking into this also for a patient that is adamant they have not drank. seems false positives are popping up more with PETH

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Hi brundle did you find ANYTHING on this situation?

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justshocked | @justshocked | Jul 22, 2022
In reply to @slw2227282 "We are also considering a lawyer. I understand some people do not learn their lesson. But..." + (show)
@slw2227282

We are also considering a lawyer. I understand some people do not learn their lesson. But many do. He didn’t even test positive when he was forced into rehab. He is not perfect, but he certainly understands the consequences. The profiteers of PETH are predatory. And they still say there are no “false positives.” I am so sorry that you have also been affected and for all of the victims of this scheme.

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Hi slw I hope you see this post. I wanted to know how it turned out for you and your lawyer. I’m in a bind myself tested positive on Peth 6/8/22 hadn’t consumed alcohol since 2019! I feel like a woman falling out of a plane without a parachute I’m
Falling so fast I’m looking to grab the wings off a gnat!!!!!

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creigstad | @creigstad | Jul 26, 2022

Can several blood transfusions leave you with a raised PEth test ?

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1 reply
Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Jul 27, 2022
In reply to @creigstad "Can several blood transfusions leave you with a raised PEth test ?" + (show)
@creigstad

Can several blood transfusions leave you with a raised PEth test ?

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Welcome @creigstad,

According to this study "Validation of blood phosphatidylethanol as an alcohol consumption biomarker in patients with chronic liver disease" https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4409698/, blood transfusion could potentially affect the results of PEth testing.

See this excerpt:
"Large volume blood transfusions could result in false positive or false negative results for PEth testing, as may have been the case for one of our study participants. It is important to note that this was not necessarily a representative sample of patients with liver disease, as recruitment was completed in a regional referral center for liver diseases."

You may wish to discuss with your medical team.

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1 reply
bboy | @bboy | Sep 8, 2022

Question on PEth test I found this test on a July 2022 lab report done on me. I had never heard of it it says PEth- Mayo and my result is high at 25. In looking this up it appears to be a test for alcohol. I rarely drink. I have both an underlying Liver issue Alpha -1 that is genetic and have been diagnosed with Nash-2. My liver enzymes are normal. I come from a diabetic family but am not diabetic. What’s up with this test?

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toolsd | @toolsd | Sep 11, 2022

It means absolutely nothing. If the test is accurate, sometime in the last month you probably drank some… that’s it.

It’s a horrible test, well known for false positives and false negatives. Has ZERO diagnostic value of ANY sort on its own.

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