Alcohols
Also known as: ALCT
Use
This test is used to identify ingestion of ethanol, methanol, isopropanol, or acetone for medical purposes. It helps in diagnosing alcohol poisoning and determining the level of alcohol present in the patient's system, enabling appropriate medical intervention.
Special Instructions
Specimen collection timing is dependent on the time of exposure and should be performed upon presentation to the hospital. Use a non-alcohol-based cleanser at the venipuncture site to avoid contamination.
Limitations
This test has a limit of detection of 5 mg/dL for ethanol, methanol, isopropanol, and acetone. It does not provide a therapeutic range for acetone, methanol, or isopropanol, and high concentrations can cause various toxic effects such as nausea, dizziness, central nervous system depression, or coma. It is not FDA approved but developed under CLIA certification for clinical purposes.
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 5568-1
- 14336-2
- 5669-7
- 5693-7
Result Turnaround Time
1-3 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
2 mL
Minimum Volume
0.3 mL
Container
ARUP Standard Transport Tube
Collection Instructions
Separate from cells ASAP or within 2 hours of collection. Cap tube tightly to minimize alcohol loss.
Causes for Rejection
Whole blood, Plasma Separator Tubes (PST), Serum Separator Tubes (SST).
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 1 week |
| Refrigerated | 2 weeks |
| Frozen | 1 month |
