Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin for Alcohol Use
Also known as: CDT
Use
The Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin (CDT) test is used to identify alcohol abuse or relapse, and detect chronic ethanol use at levels of 40 grams per day or more for at least two weeks. It is useful for evaluating patients suspected of having issues related to alcohol consumption. The test measures the level of CDT in the serum, which increases in response to sustained heavy alcohol intake. Elevated levels of CDT are indicative of chronic alcohol consumption during the test period.
Special Instructions
The CDT test is part of a broader panel of tests related to alcohol use biomarkers provided by ARUP. It is specifically tailored to detect patterns of alcohol consumption. Proper collection and handling of the serum sample is crucial, as plasma samples and hemolyzed specimens are not acceptable for this test.
Limitations
The CDT test has certain analytical limitations. It is designed to detect chronic alcohol consumption but may not detect occasional drinking or lower levels of alcohol intake. Approximately 20% of chronic alcohol users can present normal CDT levels, which means results need careful interpretation in conjunction with clinical findings. Additionally, other liver conditions or genetic variances can potentially affect CDT levels, leading to either false negatives or false positives.
New York Approved
Methodology
Other
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 48495-6
Result Turnaround Time
1-8 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.2 mL
Container
ARUP standard transport tube
Collection Instructions
Transfer 1 mL serum to an ARUP standard transport tube after collection in a serum separator tube or plain red tube. Avoid plasma collection.
Storage Instructions
Store and transport the specimen frozen to maintain stability.
Causes for Rejection
Plasma and hemolyzed specimens.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Unacceptable |
| Refrigerated | 10 days |
| Frozen | 1 month |