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HelpTest Code LAB46 Blood Alcohol
Useful For
Diagnosis and treatment of ethanol intoxication and poisoning
Methodology
Enzymatic with ADH
Performing Laboratory
Bozeman Health Laboratory Services
Specimen Requirements
Specimen Type: Plasma or Serum
Container/Tube: Light-green top (lithium heparin gel), red top, gold top
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Specimen Minimum Volume: 0.5 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. A non-alcohol germicide must be used to cleanse skin. Do not use alcohol wipes or other volatile disinfectants at the site of venipuncture. Aqueous Zephiran (benzalkonium chloride), aqueous Merthiolate (thimerosal), or povidone-iodine may be used.
2. Samples must be tightly closed. Avoid uncapping specimen.
3. Send whole blood in original tube.
4. Forward promptly.
Specimen Rejection: Hemolyzed samples may be rejected.
Specimen Transport Temperature
Ambient/Refrigerated
Specimen Stability
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Plasma or Serum | Ambient | 2 days |
| Refrigerated | 2 weeks | |
| Frozen | 1 month |
Reference Values
0.0-10.1 mg/dL
Critical value (automatic call-back): >400.0 mg/dL
Levels >80.0 mg/dL are legal intoxication in Montana.
The pharmacological response to blood alcohol levels may vary from individual to individual. The fatal concentration has been reported to be >400.0 mg/dL (86.8 mmol/L).
Day(s) Test Set Up
Monday through Sunday
Test Classification and CPT Coding
82077