ETHANOL, SERUM (ALCOHOL)

Test Code

LAB46

Preferred Specimen

One 4.5 mL light green top tube
Pediatric: One light green top microtainer

Other Acceptable Specimens

Dark green top, red top, gold top, or grey top tube

Instructions

Keep specimen capped prior to analysis, caps should not be removed during the collection process. Though isopropanol is not detected by the ethanol measuring method used in the Ruby Laboratory, alternative skin prep (ie, with benzalkonium wipes or povidone-iodine (betadine)) is recommended to minimize chances of interference.
Sample must be centrifuged within two hours of collection. Serum/plasma must be removed from the red cells and put into aliquot tubes following centrifugation.T

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated

Specimen Stability

Centrifuge within 2 hours ofcollection
Ambient: Analyze immediately, stable for 2 weeks if kept stoppered.
Refrigerated: 6 months Frozen: 6 months

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Uncapped/opened tubes, with the exceptions of aliquot samples

Methodology
Enzymatic UV

Setup Schedule

Sunday-Saturday

Clinical Significance

Methanol and isopropanol not detected by this method.

Performing Laboratory
West Virginia University Hospital, Inc.
Bluefield Pavilion Campus
Berkeley Medical Center
Barnesville Hospital
Braxton County Memorial
Camden Clark Medical Center
Camden Clark Medical Center
Fairmont Medical Center
Garrett Regional Medical Center
Harrison Community Hospital
Jackson General Hospital
Jefferson Medical Center
Princeton Community Hospital
Potomac Valley Hospital
Reynolds Memorial Hospital
Summersville Regional Medical Center
St. Joseph’s Hospital
United Hospital Center
Uniontown Hospital
Wetzel County Hospital
Wheeling Hospital

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.