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HelpTest Code ALC Ethanol, Blood
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Specimen Type
Whole Blood NaFl-KOxOrdering Guidance
This test is not performed using chain of custody. For chain of custody testing order ALCX / Ethanol, Chain-of-Custody, Blood.
Specimen Required
Container/Tube:
Preferred: Gray top (potassium oxalate/sodium fluoride)
Acceptable: Lavender top (EDTA) or green top (sodium heparin)
Specimen Volume: 2 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Do not use alcohol to clean arm. Use an alternative, such as Betadine, to cleanse arm before collecting any specimen for volatile testing.
2. Specimen must be sent in original tube. Do not aliquot.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL or amount to fill 1 tube
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Whole Blood NaFl-KOx | Refrigerated (preferred) | 14 days |
| Frozen | 28 days | |
| Ambient | 24 hours |
Reference Values
Not detected (Positive results are quantified.)
Limit of detection: 10 mg/dL (0.01 g/dL)
Legal limit of intoxication is 80 mg/dL (0.08 g/dL).
Toxic concentration is dependent upon individual usage history.
Potentially lethal concentration: ≥400 mg/dL (0.4 g/dL)
CPT Code Information
G0480
80320 (if appropriate for select payers)
Clinical Information
Ethanol is one of the most widely abused legal substances in the United States. It is the active agent in beer, wine, vodka, whiskey, rum, and other liquors.
Ethanol acts on cerebral functions as a depressant similar to general anesthetics. This depression causes most of the typical symptoms such as impaired thought, clouded judgment, and changed behavior. As the level of alcohol increases, the degree of impairment becomes progressively increased.
In most jurisdictions in the United States, the level of prima facie evidence of being under the influence of alcohol for purposes of driving a motor vehicle is 80 mg/dL (0.08% in whole blood).
Report Available
1 to 2 daysReject Due To
| Gross lipemia | Reject |
| Gross icterus | OK |
Method Name
Headspace Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detector (HSGC-FID)
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Saturday
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Therapeutics Test Request (T831) with the specimen.