Ethanol Confirmation, Plasma
Test Mnemonic
BALCO
CPT Codes
- 80320 - QTY (1)
- G0480 - QTY (1)
LOINC ®
14336-2
Aliases
- alcohol confirmation, blood
Performing Laboratory
Cleveland Clinic Laboratories
Specimen Requirements
| Volume | Type | Container | Collect Temperature | Transport Temperature | Special Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 mL | Plasma | Potassium oxalate/sodium fluoride (Gray) | Centrifuge, aliquot and refrigerate. | Separate plasma from cells as soon as possible. Transfer to standard CCL transport tube. Cap tube tightly to minimize alcohol loss. Do not draw in plasma separator tubes. |
Alternate Specimen Requirements
| Volume | Type | Container | Collect Temperature | Transport Temperature | Special Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 mL | Plasma | EDTA (Lavender) | Centrifuge, aliquot and refrigerate. | Separate plasma from cells as soon as possible. Transfer to standard CCL transport tube. Cap tube tightly to minimize alcohol loss. Do not draw in plasma separator tubes. | |
| 2 mL | Plasma | Lithium heparin (Green) | Centrifuge, aliquot and refrigerate. | Separate plasma from cells as soon as possible. Transfer to standard CCL transport tube. Cap tube tightly to minimize alcohol loss. Do not draw in plasma separator tubes. | |
| 2 mL | Serum | No additive (Red) | Centrifuge, aliquot and refrigerate. | Separate serum from cells as soon as possible. Transfer to standard CCL transport tube. Cap tube tightly to minimize alcohol loss. Do not draw serum separator tubes. |
Minimum Specimen Requirements
| Volume | Type | Container | Collect Temperature | Transport Temperature | Special Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 mL |
Stability
| Environmental Condition | Description |
|---|---|
| Ambient | After separation from cells in a tightly capped tube: 3 days |
| Refrigerated | After separation from cells in a tightly capped tube: 14 days |
| Frozen | After separation from cells in a tightly capped tube: 14 days |
Days Performed
Sun - Sat
Turnaround Time
1 day
Methodology
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Quantitative Gas Chromatography |
Reference Range
| Alcohol, Blood Confirmation | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sex | Age From | Age To | Type | Range | Range Unit |
| Years | 99 Years | Normal | <5 | mg/dL |
Special Info
For medical purposes only. Not valid for forensic use. Do not use alcohol or other volatile disinfectants at the site of venipuncture. Aqueous Zephiran (benzalkonium chloride), aqueous Merthiolate (thimerosal), or povidone-iodine may be used.
Clinical Info
Reference range is based off of the assay's limit of quantitation (5 mg/dL). Therapy for methanol intoxication: 100-150 mg/dL. [American Academy of Clinical Toxicology Practice Guidelines on the Treatment of Methanol Poisoning. Clinical Toxicology, 2002, 40(4): 415-446.] Monitor exposure to ethanol. Elevated concentrations may cause disorientation, loss of motor functions, CNS depression, vomiting, urine and feces incontinence, coma, and fatality. Toxic concentrations are dependent upon the usage history of the patient.