Acetaldehydefldmcnc
This test measures the amount of acetaldehyde in your blood or body fluid to evaluate alcohol metabolism and potential chemical exposure.
{"Acetaldehyde is a byproduct of alcohol metabolism produced by the liver","This test helps assess how well your body processes alcohol","Elevated levels may indicate excessive alcohol consumption or chemical exposure","The test uses a blood sample (serum) collected from a vein","Results help doctors evaluate liver function and exposure to certain substances"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 60045-2
- Short code
- ACET
- Synonyms
- Acetaldehyde Fld-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or plain red top tube, grey top tube with sodium fluoride preservative for glycolysis inhibition
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 0.1
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 18 years
- Method
- Gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) or enzymatic assay
- CPT
- 82025
- SNOMED
- 313336004
- Specimen volume
- 2-5 mL of venous blood
- Stability
- Specimen should be processed promptly. Serum acetaldehyde is unstable; maintain at 2-8°C if processing delayed. Freeze at -20°C or below for long-term storage. Stable for up to 24 hours at room temperature, up to 7 days at 2-8°C, up to 30 days at -70°C.
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 48–96 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The acetaldehyde test measures the level of acetaldehyde in your body fluid, typically blood serum. Acetaldehyde is a toxic chemical produced when your liver breaks down alcohol. It is also found in some industrial environments and tobacco smoke. This test helps healthcare providers understand how your body processes alcohol and whether you may have been exposed to acetaldehyde through other sources.
Why is this test performed?
Your doctor may order this test if they suspect you have been exposed to high levels of acetaldehyde, either from excessive alcohol consumption or environmental exposure. It may also be used to evaluate liver function and to help diagnose certain metabolic conditions. The test can be helpful for patients experiencing symptoms related to alcohol metabolism or those working in industries where acetaldehyde exposure is possible.
How is the test done?
A healthcare professional will draw a blood sample from a vein in your arm. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. The procedure is quick and similar to other routine blood tests. You may be asked to fast (not eat or drink) for a certain period before the test, as instructed by your healthcare provider.
What do the results mean?
Results are typically reported as present or absent, or as a measured concentration. Your doctor will interpret the results based on your medical history, symptoms, and other test results. Elevated acetaldehyde levels may indicate recent alcohol consumption, difficulty metabolizing alcohol, or exposure to environmental sources of acetaldehyde. Normal or low levels generally indicate normal alcohol metabolism or no significant recent exposure.
Reference range
Acetaldehyde is typically undetectable or very low in non-drinkers. Reference range: < 0.1 mg/dL (< 2.2 μmol/L) in serum of non-exposed individuals. Trace amounts may be detectable in individuals with endogenously produced acetaldehyde.N/A
No special preparation required. Patient should inform laboratory of any recent alcohol consumption, disulfiram use, or exposure to industrial solvents. Avoid smoking before collection as it may affect results.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to prepare for the test?
Is the test painful?
How long does it take to get results?
What factors can affect acetaldehyde levels?
Are there risks associated with this test?
Sources
- 1
- 2LOINC Code ReferenceSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy