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HelpTest ID ETHNL Ethanol, Serum
Useful For
Detection of ethanol (ethyl alcohol) in serum to document prior consumption or administration of ethanol
Quantification of the concentration of ethanol in serum correlates with degree of intoxication.
Method Name
Enzymatic, Alcohol Dehydrogenase
Reporting Name
Ethanol, SSpecimen Type
SerumContainer/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Serum gel tubes should be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection.
2. Red-top tubes should be centrifuged and aliquoted within 2 hours of collection.
3. Do not use alcohol to clean arm. Use alternative such as Betadine to cleanse arm before collecting any specimen for volatile testing
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.25 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 72 hours |
| Frozen | 28 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 a blood ethanol concentration 80 mg/dL (0.08 g/dL; 0.08%; 800 mcg/dL).
In the context of medical/clinical assessment, serum is submitted for analysis. On average, the serum or serum concentration of the alcohols is 1.2-fold higher than blood. The serum would contain approximately 0.10 g/dL of ethanol in a blood specimen that contains 0.08 g/dL ethanol.
Reference Values
<10 mg/dL
Legal limit of intoxication: ≥80 mg/dL
Critical value: ≥400 mg/dL
Cautions
On average, the serum concentration of the alcohols is 1.2-fold higher than blood. For example, the serum would contain approximately 0.10 g/dL of ethanol in a blood specimen that contains 0.08 g/dL ethanol
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday; Continuously
Report Available
Same day/1 dayPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Medical Laboratories in Rochester
Test Classification
This test has been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
80301
G0479 (if appropriate)