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Test Code LAB46 Ethanol, Plasma

Performing Laboratory

Barnes-Jewish Hospital Laboratory

Methodology

Alcohol Dehydrogenase Ultraviolet (UV)

Literature References:
Package insert: Ethanol. Roche Diagnostics, 2011.

Specimen Requirements

Specimen Type: Plasma

Container/Tube: 1 mint green-top (lithium or sodium heparin) tube

Specimen Volume: Full tube

Use Betadine to clean the phlebotomy site when collecting Ethanol levels

 

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Sunday
Turnaround Time:
STAT: 1 hour after receipt in the laboratory
Routine: results available the day of testing

Test Classification and CPT Coding

82077

Reference Values

<10 mg/dL

Critical value (automatic call-back): ≥300 mg/dL

 

Interpretative Data:

Legal limit of intoxication ≥ 80 mg/dL.

Levels ≥ 400 mg/dL are potentially Toxic.

Current interpretation data was last revised on 02/19/2019.

 

Literature Reference:

Burtis CA, Ashwood ER, eds. Tietz textbook of clinical chemistry. 3rd ed. WB Saunders Co., Philadelphia, PA, 1999:922-3.

Specimen Transport Temperature

Ambient

Additional Information

For BJH Laboratory Use Only
Alternate Tube:

1 dark green-top (lithium or sodium heparin) tube

1 full, grey-top (potassium oxalate/sodium fluoride) tube
1 full, lavender-top (EDTA) tube

1 plain red top tube
Separator gel tube is acceptable


Analyte Stability:

  • Specimens must be processed within 2 days.
  • Processed sample stability:
    • Ambient - 2 days
    • Refrigerated (2 - 8°C) - 2 weeks
    • Frozen (≤ -20°C) - 4 weeks     

Repeated freeze-thaw cycles should be avoided. Ethanol values in uncapped specimens declineat a rate of about 1.7% per hour, an approximate 10% decline in 6 hours.  

  • See Analyte Stability Chart under General Information for a complete list.

 

Laboratory Processing Instructions:

Test performed in BJH Core Lab. Processed by the automated line for delivery to the Cobas 8000.  Completed specimen is stored refrigerated for 5 days.

LOINC Code Information

Name LOINC Code
Ethanol, Plasma 5643-2