Ethanol concentration in serum/plasma (mass concentration)
This test measures the amount of alcohol (ethanol) present in your blood, drawn from either serum or plasma. It helps assess recent alcohol intake or detect alcohol-related conditions.
["This test checks for alcohol in your blood, useful for monitoring drinking habits or identifying potential alcohol exposure."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 74859-0
- Short code
- ETOH-B
- Synonyms
- Bld Ethanol Est from SerPl-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Gray-top sodium fluoride/potassium oxalate tube (preferred) or red-top serum tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 0
- Critical range
- — – 300 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- estimated-from-serum-or-plasma-level
- CPT
- G6040
- SNOMED
- 160241001
- Specimen volume
- 3-5 mL whole blood
- Stability
- Serum/plasma stable for 7 days at 2-8°C; store frozen at -20°C for longer storage. Sodium fluoride preservative prevents ongoing microbial ethanol generation.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 100
- TAT
- 1–4 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have concerns about alcohol use, such as excessive drinking, suspected alcohol poisoning, or to monitor conditions like liver disease, pancreatitis, or alcohol withdrawal. It can also be part of routine screening for substance use disorders or legal/medical evaluations.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but avoid eating or drinking anything (except water) for at least 2 hours before the blood draw. Wear a comfortable shirt for easy access to your arm.
What Happens During the Test
A healthcare professional will insert a small needle into a vein in your arm to collect blood. You may feel a brief pinch, but the process is quick. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for analysis.
What the Results Mean
Results are typically reported in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or grams per liter (g/L). Higher levels may indicate recent alcohol consumption, while very low levels could suggest recent abstinence or medical conditions affecting metabolism.
Reference range
0 mg/dL (not normally present in blood); Legal driving limits vary by jurisdiction (typically 80 mg/dL or 0.08 g/dL in the US)N/A
No fasting required. Specimen should be collected using a non-alcohol-based antiseptic (e.g., povidone-iodine or chlorhexidine) to avoid false elevation from skin contamination.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated ethanol levels can indicate acute alcohol intoxication, alcohol misuse, or underlying health issues like liver damage or gastrointestinal disorders. Chronic alcohol use may show persistent elevated levels, while very low levels may warrant further investigation for conditions like alcohol intolerance or malabsorption.
Short name
Serum Alcohol Level
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get my results?
Can I drink alcohol before this test?
What if my results are higher than expected?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 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 14, 2026. · Read our editorial policy