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Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin (CDT) with Rapid Immunoassay Detection

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

This test measures a protein in your blood that can help detect long-term alcohol use. It’s part of a screening tool to check for possible alcohol-related liver damage.

Quick summary

CDT helps identify heavy or chronic alcohol consumption by detecting a protein variant linked to alcohol exposure.

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
101674-0
Short code
OXA-48-like crbpnase Islt Ql IA.rapid
Synonyms
OXA-48-like crbpnase Islt Ql IA.rapid
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
ia-rapid
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 Is Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin (CDT)?

Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin (CDT) is a protein normally found in your blood. Normally, it has sugar molecules attached, but when you drink alcohol over time, these sugars may be missing. This test detects the missing sugars to help doctors assess if alcohol use may be affecting your liver.

Why Might You Need This Test?

Your healthcare provider may order a CDT test if you have symptoms of liver problems (like fatigue, jaundice, or abdominal pain) or if you’ve been drinking alcohol heavily. It’s also used in alcohol screening programs or when monitoring liver health in people with known alcohol use.

How Is the Test Done?

A small blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. The sample is then tested using a rapid immunoassay method to detect the specific protein variant associated with CDT.

What Do the Results Mean?

Results are typically reported as a ratio or percentage compared to a standard. Higher levels of CDT may suggest chronic alcohol use, but they’re not definitive on their own. Your doctor will review results alongside other tests and your medical history.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Clinical Significance: CDT in Liver Health and Alcohol Use

Short name

CDT (Rapid IA)

Frequently asked questions

What causes elevated CDT levels?
Elevated CDT levels are most commonly linked to chronic alcohol consumption, but they can also appear in other conditions like certain liver diseases (e.g., hepatitis) or metabolic disorders. It’s not a standalone test for alcoholism but is useful when combined with other assessments.
How does CDT compare to other alcohol-related tests?
CDT is often used alongside other markers like **GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase)** or **MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume)** to confirm alcohol-related liver damage. Unlike blood alcohol tests, CDT doesn’t measure current alcohol intake but reflects long-term exposure.
Can CDT be used to track alcohol use over time?
Yes, CDT can help track alcohol use trends because it reflects long-term exposure. However, it’s not a direct measure of recent drinking. Your doctor may use it in combination with other tests or patient reports to monitor progress in reducing alcohol intake.
  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