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Test Code ETOH Ethanol

Alias

Alcohol level

Collection Method

Venous Collection

Container

Light Green Lithium Heparin tube

Instructions/Special Handling

Do not use alcohol or other volatile disinfectants at the site of venipuncture.  Acceptable disinfectants are:

  • Aqueous Zephiran (benzalkonium chloride)
  • Aqueous Merthiolate (thimerosal)
  • Providone-iodine

Sample must be tightly closed and unexposed to room air

Preferred Specimen

Light Green (Lithium Heparin) Plasma

Acceptable Specimes

  • Serum
    • Gold SST tube
    • Red tube
  • Plasma
    • Light Green lithium heparin
    • Lavender EDTA

Units

mg/dL

Reference Ranges

Ethyl alcohol is not normally found in the bloodstream

Critical Values

>/= 390 mg/dL

Reasons for Rejection

Hemolysis N/A
Icterus Grossly icteric
Lipemia N/A
Other QNS, Contaminated, Improperly labeled, Improper specimen type

 

Specimen Stability

Ambient (15-25°C) 2 days unopened
Refrigerated (2-8°C) 2 weeks unopened
Frozen (-20°C) 4 weeks unopened

 

Performing Site

Boone Health Laboratory

Performance Information

Days/Times Performed Daily 24/7
Expected Turn around Time Same day
Methodology/Method Description Roche Cobas - Enzymatic

CPT Code(s)

82077

Panel Components

N/A