From the Guidelines
To order an ethanol (ETOH) level test, simply request a serum ethanol test.
Ordering the Test
- The test can be ordered as part of a routine blood workup or as a standalone test.
- It is essential to note that the detection window for serum ethanol is 4-12 hours 1.
- When interpreting the results, consider the patient's medical history, symptoms, and other laboratory findings.
Test Characteristics
- The sensitivity and specificity of the serum ethanol test are not explicitly stated in the provided evidence, but it is considered a direct marker of alcohol consumption.
- Other direct markers, such as ethyl glucuronide (EtG) in urine or hair, may be used in conjunction with the serum ethanol test to provide a more comprehensive picture of alcohol consumption 1.
Clinical Considerations
- The test should be used in conjunction with a thorough medical interview and other diagnostic tools, such as questionnaires, to assess alcohol consumption and related health risks 1.
- It is crucial to consider the potential for false positives or false negatives, particularly in patients with certain medical conditions or those who have consumed small amounts of alcohol 1.
From the Research
Ordering an Ethanol (ETOH) Level Test
To order an ethanol level test, the following steps can be considered:
- Determine the purpose of the test, such as for clinical decision making, forensic analysis, or monitoring alcohol consumption 2, 3
- Choose the type of sample to be tested, such as blood, saliva, or breath 3, 4, 5
- Select the testing method, such as direct measurement of serum levels, enzymatic assay, or gas chromatography 2, 3, 4, 6
- Consider the costs, availability, and turn-around times for the test 2
Types of Ethanol Level Tests
Some common types of ethanol level tests include:
- Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) tests, which measure the amount of ethanol in the blood 3
- Saliva tests, which measure the amount of ethanol in saliva and can be used as a non-invasive alternative to blood tests 4, 5
- Breathalyzer tests, which measure the amount of ethanol in the breath 4
- Enzymatic assays, which measure the amount of ethanol in a sample using enzymes such as alcohol dehydrogenase 6
Considerations for Ordering an Ethanol Level Test
When ordering an ethanol level test, consider the following:
- The sensitivity and specificity of the test, which can vary depending on the type of test and the sample being tested 4
- The potential for false positive or false negative results, which can occur with any type of test 4
- The need for rapid results, which can be important in clinical decision making or forensic analysis 2, 3