Ethanol concentration in serum/plasma (24-hour quantitative measurement)
This test measures the amount of alcohol (ethanol) in your blood over a 24-hour period, often used to assess heavy drinking or alcohol-related health risks.
["Helps determine if alcohol consumption may be causing health concerns or requiring intervention."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 104265-4
- Short code
- Ethanol CtO VFr ExG
- Synonyms
- Ethanol CtO VFr ExG
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- 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
Why Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms of alcohol misuse, such as frequent intoxication, withdrawal, or liver-related issues. It can also help monitor someone recovering from alcohol dependence or assess exposure in workplace safety settings.
How Is the Test Performed?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm. The sample is then analyzed in a lab to measure ethanol levels over the past 24 hours using a specialized immunoassay method.
What Do Results Mean?
Higher-than-normal levels may indicate recent heavy drinking or ongoing alcohol exposure. Very low levels could suggest recent abstinence or medical conditions affecting metabolism. Results are not given in absolute units but are compared to clinical context and patient history.
Common Causes of Abnormal Results
Elevated levels may result from chronic alcohol use, binge drinking, or certain medications that increase ethanol in the body. Low levels might occur due to recent abstinence, liver disease, or metabolic disorders.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test plays a key role in identifying patterns of alcohol consumption that could impact health, guiding treatment decisions, or ensuring workplace safety. It is not a diagnostic test for alcoholism alone but supports broader clinical assessments.
Short name
24-Hour Ethanol Level
Frequently asked questions
What does a 'positive' result mean for me?
Can I fast before this test?
How long will I need to wait for results?
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