Skip to content

Alcohol Use During Pregnancy, Past 3 Months — Reported (PhenX)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 17, 2026

A patient-reported screening question about alcohol use during the past 3 months of pregnancy.

Quick summary

["This screening assesses whether alcohol has been used during pregnancy and helps guide prenatal counseling."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 17, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
64716-4
Short code
Alcohol last 3Mo pregnancy PhenX
Synonyms
Alcohol last 3Mo pregnancy PhenX
Category
liver
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Ref low
10
Ref high
40
Critical range
0.5 N/A – 500 N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
phenx
CPT
84484
SNOMED
302774002
Specimen volume
5 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

This is a patient-reported screening measure of alcohol use during the past 3 months of pregnancy. It is generally part of a prenatal questionnaire rather than a measurement of alcohol in blood or urine.

Why might I need this test?

Prenatal care providers screen for alcohol use because drinking during pregnancy can harm fetal development. The responses may be used to provide advice, referrals, or additional support for avoiding alcohol.

How is the test performed?

You answer questions about whether you drank alcohol and, if applicable, the amount and timing of use. No blood or urine sample is usually required for this reported measure.

How do I prepare for the test?

No special preparation or fasting is needed. Answer the questions as completely and honestly as possible so your prenatal care team can assess your alcohol exposure.

Reference range

Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A

Specimen: serum

No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Reported alcohol use may prompt further assessment, pregnancy counseling, or referral to services that support alcohol-free pregnancy. A positive response does not by itself determine the amount of alcohol consumed, the level in the body, or the effect on the fetus.

Short name

Alcohol use during pregnancy

Frequently asked questions

Does this test measure my blood alcohol level?
No. This is a patient-reported screening measure, not a laboratory measurement of alcohol in blood or urine.
Why is alcohol use screened during pregnancy?
Alcohol can cross the placenta and may harm fetal growth and development. Screening helps your care team offer appropriate guidance and support.
What if I am not sure how much I drank?
Give your best estimate and share any uncertainty with your prenatal care provider. The purpose of screening is to identify whether additional counseling or support may be helpful.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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