There are a variety of reasons why someone would want to keep track of alcohol consumption. Alcohol testing is the best way to determine whether or not someone has been drinking recently. In some cases, it's a company or law enforcement keeping track of an individual's alcohol consumption. Sometimes an individual wants to keep track of how much alcohol is in their system. No matter the reason for alcohol testing, it does come at a cost. Here are different types of alcohol testing and their estimated costs:

Ethyl Glucuronide Testing

For those who have to abstain from alcohol for long periods of time, ethyl glucuronide (EtG) tests can detect alcohol for up to 80 hours after it has been ingested. EtG is a byproduct that is produced whenever alcohol is consumed and can be detected in urine. The average cost of an EtG test is between $10 and $50. This type of testing can be done at home and then sent off to a lab.

In-Office Testing

While there are plenty of options for taking an alcohol test at home, sometimes in-office testing is a requirement. Tests done in a designated testing facility are usually more in depth. This type of testing is often done for employment or legal purposes. EtG tests are performed in these environments as are blood and hair tests. Blood alcohol testing can determine if someone has been using alcohol sometime in the previous 3 to 4 weeks while hair alcohol testing can determine if someone has been using alcohol during the previous 90 days. Blood and hair alcohol testing is more expensive and cost on average anywhere from $100 to $650.

Breathalyzer

Operating any type of car or machinery while under the influence of alcohol can be dangerous and illegal if the operator is over the legal limit. Breathalyzers are used by individuals and law enforcement to determine how much alcohol is currently present within the blood. Personal breathalyzers cost anywhere from $50 to $150 but are not as accurate as the much more expensive versions used by law enforcement. Often ignition interlock devices are used with breathalyzers to prevent anyone under the influence of alcohol from driving. These devices are often legally required after DUI/DWI charge. They cost around $100 for installation and $50-$100 per month in additional charges.

There are a variety of reasons why alcohol testing may be required. Some places of employment require that their employees be completely free of alcohol. Others may require alcohol testing for legal or personal reasons. The costs can vary. EtG testing is one of the less expensive options while blood and hair alcohol testing can be pricey. Breathalyzers are a great option for testing how much alcohol is currently within a person's system. 

Contact a company like Physical Exams Inc for more information and assistance.