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Test Code ALC Ethanol, Blood

Reporting Name

Ethanol, B

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

 

This test is not intended for use in employment-related testing.

Method Name

Headspace Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detector (HSGC-FID)

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Specimen Type

Whole Blood NaFl-KOx


Ordering Guidance


This test is not performed using chain of custody. For chain of custody testing order ALCX / Ethanol, Chain-of-Custody, Blood.



Specimen Required


Container/Tube:

Preferred: Gray top (potassium oxalate/sodium fluoride)

Acceptable: Lavender top (EDTA) or green top (sodium heparin)

Specimen Volume: 2 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Do not use alcohol to clean arm. Use an alternative, such as Betadine, to cleanse arm before collecting any specimen for volatile testing.

2. Specimen must be sent in original tube. Do not aliquot.


Specimen Minimum Volume

0.5 mL or amount to fill 1 tube

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Whole Blood NaFl-KOx Refrigerated (preferred) 14 days
  Frozen  28 days
  Ambient  24 hours

Reject Due To

Gross lipemia Reject
Gross icterus OK

Reference Values

Not detected (Positive results are quantified.)

Limit of detection: 10 mg/dL (0.01 g/dL)

Legal limit of intoxication is 80 mg/dL (0.08 g/dL).

Toxic concentration is dependent upon individual usage history.

Potentially lethal concentration: ≥400 mg/dL (0.4 g/dL)

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Saturday

CPT Code Information

80320

G0480 (if appropriate)

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
ALC Ethanol, B 56478-1

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
30908 Ethanol, B 56478-1

Test Classification

This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

Report Available

1 to 2 days

NY State Approved

Yes

Forms

If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Therapeutics Test Request (T831) with the specimen.