Test directory: Ethanol

Ordering Code 4335
Test Name Ethanol
Alias Blood Alcohol
ETOH
Clinical Ethanol
Preferred Specimen Plasma
Preferred Container Lithium Heparin PST (Green)
Other Specimen/Container Plasma in Oxalate/Fluoride (Gray), Serum in Plain (Red),
Serum in SST (Gold), Whole Blood in Oxalate/Fluoride (Gray)
Optimum Volume 2 mL
Collection Instructions Draw full tube
Use a non-alcohol germicidal solution (e.g. Zephiran) to cleanse the venipuncture site.
Handling Instructions Send entire collection
Centrifuge specimen, DO NOT OPEN until testing is performed.
Transport Requirements Oahu: Refrigerated
Airline: Refrigerated
Keep specimen capped during transport.
Specimen Stability Ambient: 2 Days
Refrigerated: 1 Week
Frozen: 4 Weeks
Freeze only if serum/plasma have been separated from the cells. Stable if specimen is kept sealed.
Rejection Criteria Specimen older than stability limits, Gross hemolyzed,
Insufficient quantity, Specimen uncapped
Avail. Stat NO
Analytic Time 1 Day
Methodology Enzymatic assay

Reference range(s)

The reference ranges listed below are valid on this date of July 15, 2025.
Component Age Male Norm Male Critical Low Male Critical High Female Norm Female Critical High Female Critical Low Units Add'l info
Ethanol ALL NORMAL: NEGATIVE >= 0.300 NORMAL: NEGATIVE >= 0.300 gm/dL
INTOXICATION:
... INTOXICATION:
                                               LEGAL:  > 0.08
                                               TOXIC:  > 0.20
                                         LIFE THREAT:  > 0.40
Note1

Note1:

INTOXICATION:
                                               LEGAL:  > 0.08
                                               TOXIC:  > 0.20
                                         LIFE THREAT:  > 0.40.