Test directory: Ethanol

Ordering Code4335
Test NameEthanol
AliasBlood Alcohol
ETOH
Clinical Ethanol
Preferred SpecimenPlasma
Preferred ContainerLithium Heparin PST (Green)
Other Specimen/ContainerPlasma in Oxalate/Fluoride (Gray), Serum in Plain (Red),
Serum in SST (Gold), Whole Blood in Oxalate/Fluoride (Gray)
Optimum Volume2 mL
Collection InstructionsDraw full tube
Use a non-alcohol germicidal solution (e.g. Zephiran) to cleanse the venipuncture site.
Handling InstructionsSend entire collection
Centrifuge specimen, DO NOT OPEN until testing is performed.
Transport RequirementsOahu: Refrigerated
Airline: Refrigerated
Keep specimen capped during transport.
Specimen StabilityAmbient: 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 CriteriaSpecimen older than stability limits, Gross hemolyzed,
Insufficient quantity, Specimen uncapped
Avail. StatNO
Analytic Time1 Day
MethodologyEnzymatic assay

Reference range(s)

The reference ranges listed below are valid on this date of January 22, 2025.
ComponentAgeMale NormMale Critical LowMale Critical HighFemale NormFemale Critical HighFemale Critical LowUnitsAdd'l info
EthanolALLNORMAL: NEGATIVE>= 0.300NORMAL: NEGATIVE>= 0.300gm/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.