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HelpTest ID ALC Ethanol, Blood
Useful For
Detection of ethanol (ethyl alcohol) in blood to document prior consumption or administration of ethanol
Quantification of the concentration of ethanol in blood correlates directly with degree of intoxication
Method Name
Headspace Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionization Detector (HSGC-FID)
Reporting Name
Ethanol, BSpecimen Type
Whole Blood NaFl-KOxContainer/Tube:
Preferred: Grey top (potassium oxalate/sodium fluoride)
Acceptable: Any anticoagulant
Specimen Volume: 2 mL
Collection Instructions: Specimen must be sent in original tube.
Additional Information: For situations where chain-of-custody is required, a Chain-of-Custody Kit (T282) is available. For chain-of-custody testing, order COCH / Chain-of-Custody Processing.
Forms: Chain-of-Custody Request Form is included in the Chain-of-Custody Kit (T282). A copy of this form is also available at http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/it-mmfiles/chain-of-custody-request-form.pdf.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL or amount to fill 1 tube
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Whole Blood NaFl-KOx | Refrigerated (preferred) | 72 hours |
| Frozen | 14 days | |
| Ambient | 24 hours |
Clinical Information
Ethanol is the single most important substance of abuse in the United States. It is the active agent in beer, wine, vodka, whiskey, rum, and other liquors.
Ethanol acts on cerebral functions as a depressant similar to general anesthetics. This depression causes most of the typical symptoms such as impaired thought, clouded judgment, and changed behavior. As the level of alcohol increases, the degree of impairment becomes progressively increased.
In most jurisdictions in the United States, the level of prima facie evidence of being under the influence of alcohol for purposes of driving a motor vehicle is 80 mg/dL.
Reference Values
Not detected (Positive results are quantified.)
Limit of detection: 10 mg/dL (0.01 g/dL)
Legal limit of intoxication is 80 mg/dL (0.08 g/dL).
Toxic concentration is dependent upon individual usage history.
Potentially lethal concentration: ≥400 mg/dL (0.4 g/dL)
Cautions
Not intended for use in employment-related testing.
Whole blood is required (not serum or plasma).
For chain-of-custody information, see COCH / Chain-of-Custody, Processing.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday; Varies
Report Available
Same day/1 dayPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Medical Laboratories in Rochester
Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. This test has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
80320
G0480 (if appropriate)