Lab Information Manual

Laboratory:

Clinical Biochemistry

Test Name:

ALCOHOL, ETHYL (ETHANOL) - (P)

Test Code: ETO

Clinical Information:

Test Indications: Ethyl alcohol (ethanol) testing is used in the diagnosis and treatment of alcohol intoxication or poisoning.
Only ethanol is measured. To identify other alcohols, please order an alcohol screen in which ethanol, methanol and isopropanol are measure simultaneously. Ethylene glycol is not included in the screen and should be ordered separately. Radiator antifreeze contains ethylene glycol. Windshield washer antifreeze contains methanol. Use soap and water to clean venipuncture site.

Collection Devices:

Preferred Device:	1 - Li Heparin, NO GEL 4.0 mL Tube(s) - Full Tube Collection Li Heparin, NO GEL 4.0 mL Tube(s) - Full Tube Collection Manufacturer: BD (Becton Dickinson) Catalogue #: 367884
Alternate Device:	2 - Microtainer(s) - Li Heparin NO GEL (0.4 mL) to fill line Microtainer(s) - Li Heparin NO GEL (0.4 mL) to fill line Manufacturer: Becton Dickinson & Company Catalogue #: 365965

Do not use separator gel.

Specimen Required:

Plasma: 2.0 mL

Serum collected without gel is also acceptable.
Stability 2 weeks refrigerated, 4 weeks frozen

Referral:

Samples must be transferred to an aliquot tube and stored frozen if analysis will not be complete within 48 hours (#110-10-05 Serum / Plasma Separation Procedure & Transport)

Requisition:

_SH Biochemistry Hematology Requisition (R250-10-92)

_SH Hospital Biochemistry Hematology Non Winnipeg Brandon (R250-10-91)

_SH Winnipeg Brandon Biochemistry Hematology Requisition (R250-10-94)

_SH Winnipeg Brandon Hospital Biochemistry Hematology Requisition (R250-10-93)

Reference Values:

Approximate Legal Limit:	17.0 mmol/L
Toxic:	> 33.0 mmol/L
Lethal:	> 90.0 mmol/L

(mmol/L x 4.6 = mg/dL)

Availability:

Stat or Routine