Test Code ALC.1 ALCOHOL LEVEL
Methodology
Colorimetric
Useful for diagnosis and treatment of alcohol intoxication and poisoning.
Specimen Requirements
Submit only 1 of the following specimens:
Preferred:
Serum
Serum Gel Tube
Container/Tube: Serum gel tube(s)
Specimen Volume: 1 mL (minimum volume: 0.5 mL) of
serum
Collection Instructions:
- Fill tube(s) completely and keep tube(s) capped.
- Spin down within 3 hours of draw.
- Do not use alcohol to cleanse skin. Use a non-alcohol germicide to cleanse skin.
- Label specimen appropriately (serum).
Alternate:
Serum
Plain, Red-Top Tube
Container/Tube:
Plain, red-top tube(s)
Specimen Volume: 1 mL (minimum volume: 0.5 mL) of
serum
Collection Instructions:
- Fill tube(s) completely and keep tube(s) capped.
- Spin down within 3 hours of draw.
- Do not use alcohol to cleanse skin. Use a non-alcohol germicide to cleanse skin.
- Label specimen appropriately (serum).
Plasma
Container/Tube: Green-top (lithium heparin) tube(s) or grey-top (sodium fluoride/potassium oxalate) tube(s)
Specimen Volume: 1 mL (minimum volume: 0.5 mL) of plasma
Collection Instructions:
- Fill tube(s) completely and keep tube(s) capped.
- Spin down within 3 hours of draw.
- Do not use alcohol to cleanse skin. Use a non-alcohol germicide to cleanse skin.
- Label specimen appropriately (plasma).
Day(s) Test Set Up
Monday through Sunday
Reference Values
<10 mg/dL
Toxic range: >300 mg/dL
Performing Laboratory
Logan Health Medical Center-Chemistry
Test Classification and CPT Coding
80320
Specimen Transport Temperature
Refrigerate