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Ethanol
MessageFor Specimen Integrity during Extreme Weather see the “Lockbox Usage in Extreme Weather” document at the top of this page.
Test Code
ETOH
Alias/See Also
443;
ETOH, Blood;
Blood Alcohol
ETOH, Blood;
Blood Alcohol
CPT Codes
80320 (HCPCS: G0480)
Preferred Specimen
1 mL serum (SST). (minimum 0.5 mL)
Instructions
Avoid hemolysis. Invert a minimum of 5 times then allow to clot in an upright position for 30 minuties. Centrifuge the SST for at least 10 minutes. Keep tightly stoppered.
Do not open tube. Please submit a separate tube for this test.
Do not open tube. Please submit a separate tube for this test.
Transport Container
SST (speckled top) tube
Transport Temperature
Refrigerated
Specimen Stability
Room Temperature = 2 days if specimen is capped
Refrigerated = 2 weeks if specimen is capped
Frozen = 4 weeks if cappedn/a
Refrigerated = 2 weeks if specimen is capped
Frozen = 4 weeks if cappedn/a
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Hemolysis, Lipemia, incorrect specimen type, insufficient sample volume, improper storage conditions, exceeds specimen stability guidelines, contaminated sample.
Methodology
enzymatic
Setup Schedule
24/7
MVCHEM
MVCHEM
Report Available
daily
Clinical Significance
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.
Performing Laboratory
CompuNet Clinical Laboratories, LLC
2308 Sandridge Drive
Moraine, OH 45439
Last Updated: January 24, 2022
