Transferrin, Carbohydrate‑deficient (Alcohol Use)
Also known as: CDT, Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin
Use
Carbohydrate‑deficient transferrin (CDT) is elevated in chronic heavy alcohol use (typically >4–5 drinks/day for ≥2 weeks), reflecting altered glycosylation of transferrin — supporting assessment of alcohol consumption patterns and monitoring abstinence or relapse. It may also be influenced by liver disease or genetic variants and is not recommended as a general screening tool for alcoholism.
Special Instructions
No patient preparation is required; sample type is serum. Turnaround time is approximately 5 business days.
Limitations
CDT levels may be affected by congenital disorders of glycosylation, genetic transferrin variants, liver disease, and preanalytic issues like bacterial contamination. It should not be used alone for alcohol screening; combined biomarkers improve accuracy.
Methodology
Immunoassay (Nephelometry)
Biomarkers
Result Turnaround Time
5 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.2 mL
Container
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Collect serum in red top or serum separator tube, centrifuge, aliquot, and freeze.
Storage Instructions
Frozen (preferred); ambient acceptable up to 7 days; refrigerated up to 28 days.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 7 days |
| Refrigerated | 28 days |
| Frozen | >28 days |