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Ethanol concentration in serum (quantitative)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures the amount of alcohol (ethanol) present in your blood serum. It helps assess recent alcohol consumption or detect alcohol poisoning.

Quick summary

["This test checks for alcohol exposure and supports medical decisions about safety or treatment."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
15402-1
Short code
Ethanol Mec Ql
Synonyms
Ethanol Mec Ql
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 This Test Matters

Your healthcare provider may order this test if you’ve been exposed to alcohol in high amounts, experienced symptoms like confusion, vomiting, or slow breathing, or if you’re suspected of alcohol overdose. It’s also used in legal or workplace settings to evaluate intoxication levels.

How the Test Works

Blood is drawn and sent to a lab where alcohol is measured using a specialized method. The result tells how much alcohol was in your blood at the time of testing.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed. You may eat or drink normally, but avoid alcohol for 24 hours before testing if possible, as it can affect results.

What the Results Mean

Results are reported in units of mass concentration (e.g., mg/dL). Higher levels may indicate recent heavy drinking or alcohol poisoning, while lower levels may suggest recent abstinence or dilution from fluids.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Clinical Significance

Short name

Ethanol Level (Serum)

Frequently asked questions

How does this test help doctors?
Doctors use this test to diagnose alcohol poisoning, assess intoxication levels for legal or safety reasons, monitor patients with alcohol-related conditions, or guide treatment decisions for alcohol withdrawal or overdose.
What if my result is high?
A high result may mean recent heavy alcohol use or alcohol poisoning. Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms like severe confusion, slow breathing, or loss of consciousness occur.
Can I drink before this test?
Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before testing to get an accurate result. If you’ve had recent alcohol exposure, inform your healthcare provider before the test.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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