Ethanol
| Label Mnemonic: | ETOH |
| Epic code: | LAB4919 |
| Order form: | Laboratory Requisition |
| Supply order: | Supply Order Form |
| Billing: | Billing Policies |
| CPT code: | 80320 |
Specimen(s):
Plasma
Collection Medium:
 |
| Plasma Separator Tube 4.5 mL |
Alternate
Collection Media:
Call laboratory for additional acceptable specimen collection containers.
Minimum:
3 mL whole blood from light green top tube or TWO
Microtainer® devices
Rejection Criteria:
Medico-legal specimens are not accepted.
Turn Around
Time:
1 hour (upon receipt in laboratory)
Reference Range:
None detected. Ethanol intoxication begins in the 50-100 mg/dL range.
Critical value: >300 mg/dL
Comments:
Includes plasma ethanol by enzymatic analysis. For screening for
substances other than ethanol, see "Ethanol/Volatile Screen
(EVS)".
Availability: as needed.
Availability: as needed.
Test
Limitations:
Icterus: No significant interference from bilirubin up to an I index
of 60.
Lipemia: No significant interference from lipemia up to an L index of 500.
Hemolysis: >200 mg/dL will be canceled.
Very high concentrations of lactate (> 30 mEq/L) and lactate dehydrogenase (< 8,000 U/L) have potential to produce falsely elevated ethanol results.
References:
Nine JS, Moraca M, Virji MA, Rao KN. Serum-ethanol determination: comparison of lactate and lactate dehydrogenase interference in three enzymatic assays. J Anal Toxicol 19: 192-196, 1995.
Lipemia: No significant interference from lipemia up to an L index of 500.
Hemolysis: >200 mg/dL will be canceled.
Very high concentrations of lactate (> 30 mEq/L) and lactate dehydrogenase (< 8,000 U/L) have potential to produce falsely elevated ethanol results.
References:
Nine JS, Moraca M, Virji MA, Rao KN. Serum-ethanol determination: comparison of lactate and lactate dehydrogenase interference in three enzymatic assays. J Anal Toxicol 19: 192-196, 1995.
Methodology:
Enzymatic (ethanol)
Sample
Processing:
Centrifuge at a speed and time necessary to get barrier separation of plasma/serum and cells within 1 hour of collection. Send specimen in original tube. Do Not transfer to another tube.
Each sample must be labeled with at least TWO full patient identifiers (First/Last Name & DOB are sufficient for non-UIHC affiliated clients) to avoid sample rejection/delays.
Each sample must be labeled with at least TWO full patient identifiers (First/Last Name & DOB are sufficient for non-UIHC affiliated clients) to avoid sample rejection/delays.
Sample
Storage:
Refrigerate.
All sample storage requirements are intended for delivery to UIHC within 24 hours of collection for testing. If samples won't arrive in this time period, please call the UIHC Core Lab for alternative storage/shipping instructions (319-356-3527).
All sample storage requirements are intended for delivery to UIHC within 24 hours of collection for testing. If samples won't arrive in this time period, please call the UIHC Core Lab for alternative storage/shipping instructions (319-356-3527).
Transport
Instructions:
Place labeled specimen into zip-lock type biohazard bag; seal bag.
Place completed requisition into outside pocket of bag.
Transport in cooler with refrigerated coolant packs.
Place completed requisition into outside pocket of bag.
Transport in cooler with refrigerated coolant packs.
CPT Code:
80320
See also:
Alcohols Panel (Methanol, Ethanol, Isopropanol, Acetone), Plasma
Alcohols Panel (Methanol, Ethanol, Isopropanol, Acetone), Plasma
See Additional Information:
Osmolality Gap Calculator
Osmolality Gap - Calculation and Interpretation
Chemistry Critical Lab Values
Osmolality Gap Calculator
Osmolality Gap - Calculation and Interpretation
Chemistry Critical Lab Values