Abstract: Chronic or long-term alcohol consumption is detected and diagnosed by determining the levels of an alcohol-specific ethanol glycoconjugate biomarker, identified as ethyl .beta.-glucuronide, in body fluids (e.g. urine) of subjects by calorimetric reaction using qualitative and quantitative assay methods. Ethyl glucuronide has been newly observed and detected as a direct indicator of chronic alcohol consumption, and can be isolated and purified. Economical and reproducible assay methods, such as a chromatographic spot assay, ascending or thin layer chromatography assay, and high pressure liquid chromatography assay provide reliable, objective, and sensitive methods for detecting and monitoring a chronic alcoholic condition. Both the presence of the alcohol-specific ethyl glucuronide and a substantial increase in its levels are diagnostic of chronic alcoholism.

Abstract: Chronic or long-term alcohol consumption is detected and monitored by determining the level of a newly-observed, alcohol-specific carbohydrate in body fluids (e.g. urine) of subjects by calorimetric reaction using qualitative and quantitative assay methods. The alcohol-specific carbohydrate have been identified as a novel ethyl glucuronide. Ethyl glucuronide is observed and detected in direct response to alcohol consumption in body fluids, and can be isolated and purified. Simple, economical, and reproducible assay methods, such as a spot assay and an ascending or thin layer chromatography assay, provide reliable, objective, and sensitive methods for detecting and monitoring a chronic alcoholic condition. Both the presence of the alcohol-specific ethyl glucuronide and a substantial increase in its levels are indicative of chronic alcoholism.