Preferred Sample Type
Suitable Specimen Types
Fluoride OxalateAlcohol/Ethanol (non-legal)
Specimen Volume
2 mL bloodSpecimen Transport
Not applicable
Sample Preparation
Turnaround Time
24 hoursSample Processing In Laboratory
Ensure bottle remains tightly sealed prior to analysis. Samples must not be put through the pre-analytical (MPA) system.Sample Stability
3 months at 5°CGeneral Information
Ethanol is a depressant of the central nervous system (CNS). It is absorbed directly from the stomach or digestive tract and is eventually redistributed throughout the entire body water. It is eliminated via:-
- Biochemical destruction in the liver (>90%)
- Exhalation as vapour from the lungs
- Excretion in the urine. (The blood level decreases as a result, at a rate of between 1 and 2 mg/L/)
Ethanol affects all cells, but most dramatically produces behavioural disturbances due to a depressive effect on the brain. Serum ethanol levels may be ordered in suspected alcohol ingestion as well altered mental status of unknown etiology, coma, psychiatric emergencies, traumatic emergencies, and history of other ingestions (eg, toxic alcohol, salicylates). The symptoms of ethanol intoxication may include confusion, staggering, vomiting, and unconsciousness. Ethanol levels are also monitored every few hours in patients that have been given ethanol as an antidote to methanol or ethylene glycol poisoning.
Patient Preparation
No patient preparation is necessary. Do not use alcohol or other volatile disinfectants at the site of venepuncture.
Notes
Guide to interpretation
> 1000 mg/L - intoxication
3500 - 4500 mg/L - severe intoxication
5500 mg/L - usually fatal
Reference Range
Not applicable
Specifications
- EQA Status: UK NEQAS
- EQAS Scheme: Yes