Ethanol Lvl (ETH)
Department: Special Chemistry
Test Synonym(s): LAB46, ETH, ETOH, Ethanol Level, Blood alcohol, Ethyl Alcohol
CPT Codes: 82077
Methodology: Enzymatic (Alcohol Dehydrogenase)
Tube Type: Dark green top (Sodium Heparin)
Specimen: Blood
Alternate Specimen: Red top (no gel)
Pediatric Requirements: 1 dark green microtainer
Volume: 5 mL Blood
Minimum Volume: Blood: 1 mL; Serum or plasma: 0.5 mL
Temperature: Refrigerated
Stability: Refrigerated: 6 months; Frozen: -20 C for up to 6 months
Reasons for Rejection: Hemolysis, Lipemia, Improper container, collected in SST tube, QNS, specimens with EDTA
Days Performed: Daily
Times Performed: Continuous
TAT: Stat: 1 hour, routine: 2 hours
Significance: Ethanol shows that increased lactic acid concentration and lactate dehydrogenase (LD) activity may falsely elevate enzymatically determined ethanol levels. Additionally, Temozolomide at elevated concentrations (20 mg/L) may lead to falsely low results.
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