Ethanol concentration in serum or plasma (quantitative measurement)
This test measures the amount of alcohol (ethanol) present in your blood or body fluids. It helps doctors assess recent alcohol consumption or monitor alcohol-related conditions.
["This test helps track how much alcohol you’ve consumed recently or identify potential alcohol misuse."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 74673-5
- Short code
- Ethanol Sal Ql Cfm
- Synonyms
- Ethanol Sal Ql Cfm
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- confirm
- 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 healthcare provider may order this test if you’ve had recent heavy drinking, suspect alcohol poisoning, need to monitor liver function, or are being evaluated for alcohol dependence. It can also be used in legal or insurance-related contexts to determine intoxication levels.
How the Test Works
Blood is drawn from a vein in your arm, and the sample is tested using a specialized chemical method to detect ethanol. The result is reported as the concentration of alcohol in your blood (typically in milligrams per deciliter, mg/dL).
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but avoid drinking alcohol for at least 24 hours before the test if possible, as it can skew results. If you’re taking medications, let your provider know, as some may affect test accuracy.
What to Expect During the Test
You’ll lie down while a nurse inserts a small needle into your arm to draw blood. It usually takes a few minutes, and you may feel a brief pinch. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for analysis.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Alcohol Level (Serum/Plasma)
Frequently asked questions
A high ethanol level may indicate recent heavy drinking, alcohol intoxication, or alcohol-related health issues like liver damage. Very low levels could suggest recent abstinence or medical conditions affecting metabolism. Always discuss results with your provider.
What does an elevated ethanol level mean?
Can food or other substances affect 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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy