Drug Monitoring, Phosphatidylethanol (PEth), Blood

Test Code

DMPHB

Alias/See Also

12198

CPT Codes
80321 (HCPCS: G0480)

Includes

PEth 16:0/18:1 (POPEth) and PEth 16:0/18:2 (PLPEth)

Preferred Specimen

2 mL whole blood collected in an EDTA (lavender-top) tube

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Transport Temperature

Room temperature

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 5 days
Refrigerated: 30 days
Frozen: 30 days

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

Non-whole blood samples • Non-EDTA (lavender-top) tube

Methodology
Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry

FDA Status
This test was developed and its analytical performance characteristics have been determined by Quest Diagnostics. It has not been cleared or approved by FDA. This assay has been validated pursuant to the CLIA regulations and is used for clinical purposes.

Setup Schedule

Set up: Tues, Thurs, Sat; Report available: 3-5 days after receipt at the performing laboratory. Allow an additional two (2) days for transport to the performing laboratory.

Reference Range

PEth 16:0/18:1 (POPEth)	<20 ng/mL
PEth 16:0/18:2 (PLPEth)	<20 ng/mL

Clinical Significance

Alcohol abuse remains a significant public health challenge in the United States. As a long-term, specific and direct biomarker of alcohol consumption, Phosphatidylethanol (PEth) is a group of phospholipids formed in the presence of ethanol and incorporated into the phospholipid membrane of red blood cells. PEth detection is suggestive of ethanol ingestion over multiple days. PEth is detectable for 1-2 weeks. The predominant PEth homologues are PEth 16:0/18:1 (POPEth) and PEth 16:0/18:2 (PLPEth), which account for 37-46% and 26-28% of the total PEth homologues, respectively.

Performing Laboratory

Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute

14225 Newbrook Drive

Chantilly, VA 20153

Additional Information
Annette Timmons

Last Updated: February 21, 2024

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.