Ethanol Mass Concentration in Serum or Plasma
This test measures the amount of alcohol (ethanol) in your blood or body fluids, often used to assess recent alcohol consumption or monitor ongoing use.
["This test helps doctors check for alcohol exposure or track alcohol-related health risks."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 16843-5
- Short code
- Ethanol Fld-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Ethanol Fld-mCnc
- 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’ve had recent alcohol use, suspect alcohol poisoning, or need to monitor alcohol levels for medical reasons (e.g., liver function, addiction treatment). It can also be part of routine screening in certain settings, like workplace or legal evaluations.
What to Expect During the Test
A small blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. If testing urine or saliva, a swab or urine sample may be collected. The sample is sent to a lab for analysis. No special preparation is usually needed, but avoid alcohol consumption before testing if instructed.
What the Results Mean
Results are typically reported in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or milligrams per 100 milliliters (mg/100mL). Higher levels may indicate recent alcohol intake, while persistently elevated levels could signal chronic alcohol use or dependence.
Common Causes of Abnormal Results
Elevated alcohol levels can stem from recent drinking, alcohol poisoning, or certain medications. Low or absent levels may occur if the test was taken too soon after drinking or if there was a lab error. Chronic alcohol use may also affect how quickly the body metabolizes alcohol.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Alcohol levels are critical for diagnosing alcohol-related health issues, such as liver damage, pancreatitis, or alcohol withdrawal. They also play a role in legal evaluations (e.g., drunk driving), workplace safety, and addiction treatment. Persistent high levels may require medical intervention to address underlying conditions.
Short name
Alcohol Level
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results?
Can I drink alcohol before the 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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy