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Alcohol, Ethyl (Blood)

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CPT/HCPCS 80320
Order Code CH499
Turnaround Time 48-72 hrs
Test Includes

Alcohol, Ethyl (Blood)

Specimen Requirements
Specimen Source
Whole Blood/Serum
Transport Container
(Specimen Container)

Whole Blood: Fluoride oxalate (gray-top) tube, unopened Whole blood collected in: EDTA (lavender-top) tube Serum collected in: Red-top tube (no gel) or no additive (royal blue-top) tube

Preferred Specimens
Whole Blood (EDTA)
Collection Instructions
(Transport Temperature)
Room temperature
Specimen Stability
Temperature Period
Room temperature 14 days
Refrigerated 14 days
Frozen
Special Instructions

Do not use alcohol solutions as skin preparation for drawing specimens. Use non-alcohol solutions such as Betadine® or Zephiran®. Do not open. Keep specimen tightly capped. Prevent exposure to atmosphere

Test Details
Methodology
Chromatography
Clinical Significance

Alcohol, Ethyl – Ethanol is the most often abused substance whose primary effect on the CNS varies with blood concentration. Not all individuals experience the same effects at a given blood level. Other CNS depressants have an additive effect when taken in combination with ethanol. At high concentrations, ethanol elimination is relatively constant (zero order). Fatal concentration typically exceeds 0.4 g/dL. Blood concentrations of 0.3 g/dL are associated with coma. Ethyl alcohol is present in many medicinal liquids and mouthwashes.

Reference Ranges

Alcohol, Ethyl mg/dL None detected
Alcohol, Ethyl g/dL (%) None detected