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HelpTest Code 593 Ethanol, Whole Blood; Second Opinion (Legal)
Additional Codes
ALAB: ETOHMDTX
PowerChart: Alcohol (Ethanol) Level RBC
Test Method
Gas Chromatography/Flame Ionization Detection (GC-FID)
Specimen Requirement
Whole blood is required.
Additional Specimen Collection Information
Collect blood in the NaF/Oxalate grey-top tube provided in the collection kit. The tube should be filled completely to prevent loss of volatile compound into headspace. Ambient temperature is acceptable for shipping and/or short-term storage (up to 3 days); specimen may also be refrigerated or frozen.
Refer to the "Alcohol, Legal Blood; Documentation, Specimen Acquisition & Handling" procedure.
Refer also to the MedTox Chain of Custody and Collection Kit instructions.
Performance
Typical turn around time is 3 days.
Available STAT, Additional Fee: $30
Reference Values
Report limit: 0.020 gm/dL
- Critical Value - High 0.300 gm/dL
CPT Code Information
82055 Chemistry: Alcohol (ethanol); any specimen except breath
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
LOINC Code Information
56478-1 Ethanol [Mass/Volume] In Blood By Gas Chromatography