Ethanol, Serum/Plasma

Test Code: TD_3040
CPT Code(s): 80320

Test Details

Alternative Name(s)

Alcohol, blood
Blood alcohol
Blood ethanol

Test Includes

Ethanol, Serum/Plasma

Methodology

Quantitative Gas Chromatography

Rejection Criteria

Gross hemolysis

Reference Range(s)

By Report

Specimen Requirements

Preferred Specimen

Plain Red Top Tube

Minimum Volume

0.3 mL Serum or Plasma

Sample Stability

After separation from cells: 1 week room temperature
2 weeks refrigerated
1 month frozen

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated

Collection Instructions

Allow sample to clot in an upright position for at least 60 minutes, then centrifuge sample and transfer serum to a plastic transport tube within 2 hours of collection. Cap tube tightly to minimize alcohol loss. Clearly label tube as serum from a plain red top tube. Submit sealed tube with red tape. Refrigerate.
Do not use alcohol for sterilization during collection.
When multiple tests are ordered, submit separate tube for this test.

Alternative Specimen

2 mL sodium fluoride plasma centrifuge sample and separate plasma from cells within 30 minutes of collection. transfer plasma to a plastic transport tube. Cap tube tightly to minimize alcohol loss. Clearly label tube as sodium fluoride plasma. Submit sealed tube with red tape. Refrigerate.
Do not use alcohol for sterilization during collection.
When multiple tests are ordered, submit separate tube for this test.
2 mL EDTA plasma centrifuge sample and separate plasma from cells within 30 minutes of collection. Transfer plasma to a plastic transport tube. Cap tube tightly to minimize alcohol loss. Clearly label tube as EDTA plasma. Submit sealed tube with red tape. Refrigerate.
Do not use alcohol for sterilization during collection.
When multiple tests are ordered, submit separate tube for this test.