Skip to content

Ethanol concentration in serum or plasma (quantitative measurement)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 17, 2026

This test measures the amount of alcohol (ethanol) in your blood, typically used to assess recent alcohol consumption or detect alcohol intoxication.

Quick summary

["Your blood alcohol level helps determine if you’ve had recent alcohol use or if it’s affecting your health."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 17, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
109844-1
Short code
Ethanol Msmt Gast
Synonyms
Ethanol Msmt Gast
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

What This Test Measures

Ethanol is the primary alcohol found in beverages like beer, wine, and liquor. This test detects its presence in your blood, measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L).

Why It’s Done

Doctors may order this test to check for alcohol intoxication, monitor heavy drinking, evaluate liver function, or assess symptoms like confusion, slurred speech, or poor coordination.

Common Uses

Common reasons include: diagnosing alcohol poisoning, assessing recent alcohol exposure, guiding treatment for alcohol use disorders, or investigating symptoms linked to alcohol consumption.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed. A healthcare provider will draw blood from a vein in your arm. If you’ve recently consumed alcohol, your results may reflect that intake.

Reference range

Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A

Specimen: serum

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

Ethanol Level (Serum/Plasma)

Frequently asked questions

How much alcohol is in your blood can indicate risk of injury, poisoning, or health complications. Higher levels may require medical attention, especially if combined with other symptoms like vomiting or slow breathing.
This test alone doesn’t diagnose alcoholism or liver disease. It’s often used alongside other tests or clinical evaluations for a full assessment.
What if my results are abnormal?
Abnormally high levels may suggest recent heavy drinking, alcohol poisoning, or other conditions like diabetes or certain medications. Follow your doctor’s advice for next steps.
Can I drink before this test?
Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before testing if your doctor recommends it, as it may affect results. If you’ve had alcohol recently, your body may still show its effects.
  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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy