Acetaldehyderbcmcnc
This test measures the amount of acetaldehyde in your red blood cells to evaluate how your body processes alcohol.
{"Measures acetaldehyde levels in red blood cells","Helps assess alcohol metabolism capacity","Used to evaluate alcohol intolerance and related conditions","Sample is collected through a blood draw","Results may indicate genetic factors affecting alcohol processing"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 60046-0
- Short code
- ACETRBC
- Synonyms
- Acetaldehyde RBC-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Lavender top (EDTA) tube or specialized whole blood collection tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 50
- Critical range
- 2 N/A – 7 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 18 years
- Method
- Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detection (GC-FID) or Headspace Gas Chromatography
- CPT
- 82127 (may require specialized assay code; consult laboratory)
- SNOMED
- 40930008
- Specimen volume
- 2-3 mL whole blood
- Stability
- Store at 2-8°C; stability limited (typically 7-14 days). Freeze at -20°C or below for longer storage. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 72–168 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Red Blood Cell Acetaldehyde test measures the concentration of acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct of alcohol metabolism, in your red blood cells. When you consume alcohol, your body breaks it down first into acetaldehyde, then into acetate. Acetaldehyde is highly reactive and can cause cell damage if it accumulates.
How is the test performed?
A healthcare professional will draw a blood sample from a vein in your arm. The sample is then sent to a laboratory where the acetaldehyde level in your red blood cells is measured. No special preparation is typically required, but you should inform your doctor about any medications or alcohol consumption before the test.
What do the results mean?
Elevated red blood cell acetaldehyde levels may indicate that your body is not efficiently breaking down acetaldehyde. This can be due to genetic factors, particularly a deficiency in aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), an enzyme responsible for metabolizing acetaldehyde. Low levels generally indicate normal alcohol metabolism function.
Reference range
Reference range not well established; laboratory-specific. Typical reported range: 0-50 nmol/g hemoglobin. Consult reference laboratory for specific ranges.N/A
Patient should abstain from alcohol consumption for at least 24-48 hours prior to sample collection. Avoid alcohol-containing mouthwashes and medications. Inform laboratory of any recent alcohol consumption, medications, or potential exposure to industrial solvents.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast before this test?
Is the test painful?
What factors can affect the test results?
How long does it take to get results?
Sources
- 1MedlinePlus - AlcoholSource
- 2
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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy