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Department

Biochemistry

Preferred Sample Type

Ethanol (Alchohol)

Suitable Specimen Types

  • Serum
  • Fluoride Oxalate
2 mL blood

Specimen Transport

Not applicable

Sample Processing in Laboratory

No special transport requirements if sample taken into fluoride oxalate tube

Sample Preparation

Serum is acceptable if separated within 1 hour

Turnaround Time

< 1 day

Sample Stability

4ºC

Ethanol (Alchohol)

General Information

Ethanol is the most common toxic substance encountered clinically.

Ethanol levels should not be measured in the acute setting.  Toxicity can occur at extremely different levels depending on the pateints exposure history, age and weight and so can not be interpreted.  The only indication for measuring ethanol levels is to confirm whether a patient has or has not been taking alcohol.

Patient Preparation

None

Notes

None Given

Reference Range

None

Specifications

  • EQA Scheme?: Yes
  • EQA Status:

    LGC Heath Control scheme