Ethanol in Blood (Mass Concentration)
This test measures the amount of alcohol (ethanol) present in your blood, often used to assess recent alcohol consumption or detect intoxication.
["Your blood alcohol level helps determine if alcohol is affecting your health or safety."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 5639-0
- Short code
- Ethanol Bld Ql
- Synonyms
- Ethanol Bld Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 3 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Doctors may order this test to check for recent alcohol use, evaluate symptoms of alcohol poisoning, assess legal or workplace impairment, or monitor alcohol-related health conditions. It can also be part of a broader evaluation for conditions like liver disease or addiction treatment.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll typically have a small needle inserted into your arm or hand to draw blood. The process takes about 5 minutes. Avoid eating or drinking for 2 hours before the test if instructed, as food and alcohol can affect results.
What to Expect During the Test
You may feel a brief pinch when the needle is inserted, but most people describe it as mild discomfort. The blood sample is collected in a tube and sent to a lab for analysis.
What the Results Mean
Results are usually reported in milligrams of alcohol per deciliter (mg/dL) of blood. Higher levels may indicate recent heavy drinking or intoxication, while lower levels suggest minimal or no recent alcohol intake.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical significance: Elevated blood alcohol levels can impair judgment, coordination, and reflexes, posing risks for accidents or injuries. Chronic high levels may contribute to long-term health issues like liver damage or addiction. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation of your specific results.
Short name
Blood Alcohol Level (BAL)
Frequently asked questions
How often should I get this test?
What should I do if my test results are high?
Does food or timing affect this test?
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy