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Test Code ALC Alcohol, Medical, Plasma or Serum

Additional Codes

  • Expanse Test Name: Alcohol, S
  • Medinet Ref Code: ETOH
  • OV Code:CHEM*ALC

Performing Laboratory

St. Lukes Hospital Laboratory

Methodology

Enzymatic with Alcohol Dehydrogenase

Specimen Requirements

Separated specimens may be stored for up to 2 days at room temperature.

Serum may be stored for up to 2 weeks at 2 - 8°C

 

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

 

Plasma

Draw blood in a green-top (lithium heparin) plasma gel tube(s). Spin down and send 1 mL of lithium heparin plasma refrigerated.

Note:  1. Use non-alcohol germicidal solution to cleanse skin.

2. Indicate plasma on request form.

3. Label specimen appropriately (plasma).

 

Serum

Draw blood in a serum gel tube(s). Spin down and send 1 mL of serum refrigerated.

Note:  1. Use non-alcohol germicidal solution to cleanse skin.

2. Indicate serum on request form.

3. Label specimen appropriately (serum).

 

Unspun specimens must be transported at amibent temperature and arrive to the laboratory within one hour of draw.

Reference Values

Results reported in mg/dL.

The presence of ethanol in blood at concentrations >30 mg/dL is generally accepted as a strong indicator of the use of an alcohol-containing beverage.

The presence of n-propanol at 30 mg/dL will exhibit an approximate 27% increase at an ethanol concentration of 100 mg/dL.

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Sunday

Test Classification and CPT Coding

CPT: 80320

LOINC: 5643-2

Additional Information

Specimen Stability:

Refrigerate specimen at 2° C to 8° C for up to 3 days. For prolonged storage, freeze specimen in plastic vial.