Alcohol, Plasma

Diagnostic Use

This test may be requested in the investigation of a patient with suspected alcohol intoxication.

The test will NOT detect non-ethanol alcohols (e.g. methanol, ethylene glycol etc.). If toxic alcohol ingestion is suspected please request measurement of these alcohols separately.

Department

Core Biochemistry

Delphic Registration Code

ETH

Synonyms

Balc, plasma
Blood Alcohol
C2H5OH
Ethanol
Ethyl Alcohol
EtOH

Turnaround Time

2 hours

Test Code

3101

Specimen Type

• Serum
• Plasma

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Fluoride Oxalate (Grey Cap)

Acceptable

• Serum (Red Cap)
• SST II (Gold Cap)
• Lithium Heparin - Non-gel (Green Cap)
• Lithium Heparin - Gel (Light Green Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

5.0

No of Samples Required

1

Additional Specimen Information

Specimen Collection Protocols: Alcohol wipes should not be used during sample collection.
Full tube of blood, 3-5mL use fluoride oxalate if any delay, lithium heparin suitable if sample received within 30 minutes.
Paediatric Specimen: Full Li Hep (green) Microtainer paediatric tube
Sample Delivery to Lab - Full tube, tightly capped

Aliquot Instructions

Sample Type

• Serum
• Plasma

Minimum Volume (ml)

0.2

Transport to Lab

Chilled (2 - 8 degrees Celsius)

Additional Referral/Aliquot Information

Full tube, tightly capped

Interpretation

The lower limit of reporting is 3mmol/L.

The legal limit for driving (if aged >20) is 11mmol/L (50mg/dL).

To convert between mmol/L and mg/dL, multiply the result by 4.61

Results from this assay cannot be used for medicolegal/forensic purposes.

Core Biochemistry Reference Intervals

Reference Intervals

N/A

Test Method

Beckman Coulter AU5822 analyser using Beckman Coulter Emit II Plus Ethyl Alcohol enzymatic assay reagents

Non-Funded Test Cost

$21.71 (Exclusive of GST)

Billing Code

3101

Contact Information

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