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, helping doctors assess alcohol exposure or withdrawal.
["This test helps track alcohol use or withdrawal symptoms by checking stomach fluid for alcohol levels over time."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 61095-6
- Short code
- Ethanol Gast Ql Scn
- Synonyms
- Ethanol Gast Ql Scn
- 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
- Method
- screen
- 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 Is Done
Your doctor may recommend this test if you’re experiencing symptoms like nausea, tremors, or confusion that could be linked to alcohol withdrawal. It’s also used in research or clinical studies to monitor alcohol intake in specific populations.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll likely have a small tube inserted into your stomach to collect fluid over 24 hours. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to ensure accurate results.
How the Test Works
A healthcare provider will place a tube into your stomach to collect fluid over 24 hours. The collected fluid is then tested for ethanol content using a sensitive laboratory method.
What the Results Mean
Results help determine if alcohol was present in your stomach during the testing period. High levels may indicate recent alcohol use or withdrawal symptoms, while low levels suggest minimal exposure.
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: This test is critical for diagnosing alcohol withdrawal syndromes, assessing alcohol exposure in research settings, or evaluating patients with suspected alcohol-related gastrointestinal issues. It provides objective data to support clinical decisions.
Short name
24-Hour Ethanol in Gastric Fluid
Frequently asked questions
How long does the test take to process results?
Is there any risk or discomfort during the test?
Can I drink alcohol before or during 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