Ethanol concentration in gastric fluid (24-hour quantitative measurement)
This test measures the amount of alcohol (ethanol) present in your stomach over a 24-hour period, often used to assess alcohol consumption patterns or detect alcohol misuse.
["Helps track how much alcohol you consume over time by analyzing stomach fluid."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 40530-8
- Short code
- Ethanol Gast Ql
- Synonyms
- Ethanol Gast Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 10
- Ref high
- 40
- Critical range
- — – 500 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- 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
Why This Test Matters for You
Your doctor may order this test if they suspect you’re consuming alcohol regularly, struggling with alcohol use, or need to monitor alcohol-related health effects. It can also help evaluate whether alcohol is affecting your digestion or overall health.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll likely fast for a few hours before the test, as stomach fluid is collected via a tube inserted through your nose into your stomach. The procedure is quick but may cause mild discomfort. No special preparation beyond fasting is typically required.
How the Test Works
A specialized lab analyzes the collected stomach fluid for ethanol levels using sensitive detection methods. The test measures the total ethanol present over the past 24 hours, not just recent intake.
What the Results Mean
Results are compared to established reference ranges for ethanol in gastric fluid, though exact values may vary by lab. Elevated levels may indicate heavy or chronic alcohol use, while lower levels could suggest reduced consumption or medical conditions affecting digestion.
Reference range
Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
24-Hour Ethanol in Stomach Fluid
Frequently asked questions
How often do I need this test?
What if my results are abnormal?
Can I drink alcohol before 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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy