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HelpTest Code 595 Ethanol, Serum/Plasma
Additional Codes
ALAB: ETOHS
PowerChart: Alcohol (Ethanol) Level
MA Cerner: Ethanol, Serum/Plasma
Test Method
Enzymatic Rate; Beckman DxC700AU
Specimen Requirement
0.5 mL serum or plasma is required. If testing is to be delayed beyond one hour from collection time, please collect in a PST/SST and keep refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
Additional Specimen Collection Information
Collect blood in a lithium heparin green-top or red-top tube. Care must be taken in the preparation of the arm for venipuncture when drawing a specimen for alcohol, since alcohol cannot be used as the cleansing agent. Phisohex, Betadine or any suitable nonalcoholic cleansing agent is to be used since medical blood alcohols are admissable in court. The tube must remain unopened prior to testing.
Performance
Testing is performed Monday through Sunday.
Routine: Typically completed within 4 hours after the specimen arrives at the testing site.
Expedite: Typically completed within 1.5 hours after the specimen arrives at the testing site.
STAT: Typically completed within 30 minutes after the specimen arrives at the testing site.
Reference Values
< 0.01 g/dL
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
35240-1 Ethanol [Mass Or Moles/Volume] In Serum Or Plasma