Test Directory

Test Code
ETOH
Test Name
Alcohol
CPT Codes
82077
Expected Turnaround Time
1 day
Clinical Utility

Can be used for the detection and quantitation of ethanol in serum or plasma. Can be used to document recent use or administration of ethanol and assess the degree of intoxication.

Specimen and Container Info

Specimen Types: Serum or Plasma

Collection Containers:

  • Gold Top, Serum Separator
  • Light Green Top, Plasma Separator
  • Red Top, Separator
  • Gray Top (Sodium Fluoride)       

Minimum Acceptable Volume: 0.4 mL

Processing and Submission Instructions

Separator tubes: Contains clot activator and gel for separating serum from cells, but not anticoagulant. Separate serum from cells as soon as the clot has formed (30 minutes). If specimen is centrifuged before clotting is complete, a fibrin clot will form on top of the cell. This may cause the gel barrier to not be intact and could cause improper separation of serum and cells, possibly affecting test results.

Tubes with anticoagulant: To ensure accurate test results, all tubes containing an anticoagulant or preservative must be allowed to fill completely. Attempts to force more blood into the tube by exerting pressure, as in collection with a syringe, will result in damage to the red cells (hemolysis).

Transport Instructions

Transport to the laboratory refrigerated.

Stability Requirements

Refrigerated

72 hours, stored tightly closed

Methodology
Enzyme Immunoassay
Reference Intervals
Performing Location
17th Street Hospital, Carbon Hospital, Cedar Crest Hospital, Cedar Crest Red Lab, Dickson City Hospital, Hazleton Hospital, Hecktown Oaks Hospital, Muhlenberg Hospital, Pocono Hospital, Roble Road Core Laboratory, Schuylkill Hospital
Testing Schedule
Routine daily, STAT testing available