A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z # |
Alcohol
MessageNot for legal or forensic testing.
Test Code
ALC
Alias/See Also
ETOH
ETHYL ALCOHOL
ETHANOL
ETHYL ALCOHOL
ETHANOL
CPT Codes
80320
Preferred Specimen
Serum - Red top NO GEL
Patient Preparation
Do not use alcohol or other volatile disinfectants at the site of venipuncture. Aqueous Zephiran (benzalkonium chloride), aqueous Merthiolate (thimerosal), or povidone-iodine may be used.
Minimum Volume
1.0 mL
Other Acceptable Specimens
Plasma - Lithium Heparin (PST)
Plasma- EDTA (Lavender)
Serum- SST
Red Top
or Tiger Top
Instructions
Do not use alcohol or other volatile disinfectants at the site of venipuncture. Aqueous Zephiran (benzalkonium chloride), aqueous Merthiolate (thimerosal), or povidone-iodine may be used.
Specimen Stability
Room Temperature: 2 days 20-25°C
Refrigerated: 2 weeks at 2-8°C
Frozen: 4 weeks at -15 °C Freeze only once.
Refrigerated: 2 weeks at 2-8°C
Frozen: 4 weeks at -15 °C Freeze only once.
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Grossly Hemolyzed, Lipemic, and Icteric are unacceptable
Methodology
Enzymatic
Setup Schedule
Mon-Sun
Report Available
Same day
Limitations
Not for legal or forensic testing.
Do not use alcohol or other volatile disinfectants at the site of venipuncture. Aqueous Zephiran (benzalkonium chloride), aqueous Merthiolate (thimerosal), or povidone-iodine may be used.
Do not use alcohol or other volatile disinfectants at the site of venipuncture. Aqueous Zephiran (benzalkonium chloride), aqueous Merthiolate (thimerosal), or povidone-iodine may be used.
Reference Range
< 10 mg/dL
Critical Values
>250 mg/dL for patients less than 21 years of age
Critical Values
>250 mg/dL for patients less than 21 years of age
Clinical Significance
Ethyl alcohol determinations are among the most frequent analyses required in the forensic and clinical toxicology laboratory. Ethyl alcohol measurements are used in the diagnosis and treatment of alcohol intoxication and poisoning.
Performing Laboratory
Frederick Health Laboratory
400 W 7th Street
Frederick, MD 21701
Last Updated: November 28, 2023