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Ethanol (Serum) Mass Concentration

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

This test measures the amount of alcohol (ethanol) in your blood serum. It helps doctors assess recent alcohol use, monitor alcohol intoxication, or check for alcohol-related health issues.

Quick summary

["This test helps determine how much alcohol you’ve consumed recently or if it’s affecting your health."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
23861-8
Short code
Ethanol Tiss-mCnt
Synonyms
Ethanol Tiss-mCnt
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 doctor may order this test if you’ve been exposed to alcohol recently, if you’re experiencing symptoms like confusion, slurred speech, or trouble breathing, or if you’re suspected of alcohol poisoning. It can also be used in medical settings like emergency rooms or during alcohol detoxification.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a blood sample, usually drawn from a vein in your arm. The test is quick and typically done in a doctor’s office or lab.

What the Results Mean

Results are reported in milligrams of alcohol per deciliter (mg/dL) of blood. Higher levels may indicate recent heavy drinking or alcohol intoxication. Very high levels can be dangerous and require immediate medical attention.

Common Uses of This Test

Doctors use this test to diagnose alcohol poisoning, evaluate alcohol-related injuries, assess sobriety after drinking, or monitor patients undergoing alcohol withdrawal treatment.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Ethanol levels can provide critical information about acute alcohol exposure. For example, levels above 200 mg/dL may indicate severe intoxication requiring emergency care. Chronic alcohol use can also affect other organs, so repeated monitoring may be needed for long-term health management.

Short name

Serum Alcohol Level

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get my test results back?
Results are usually available within a few hours to a couple of days, depending on your lab’s processing time. Your healthcare provider will contact you once they have the results.
Can I drink alcohol before this test?
Yes, but avoid drinking heavily just before the test. If you’ve had recent alcohol use, your doctor may advise you to stop drinking for a few hours before testing to get an accurate reading.
Is there any risk or discomfort with this blood test?
The blood draw is quick but may cause mild discomfort, like a pinch or slight bruising at the injection site. Rarely, some people experience fainting or excessive bleeding, but these are uncommon side 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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy