Alcohol Ethanol Serum
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Commonly used to detect and measure the level of alcohol (ethanol) in the blood
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🧪 Alcohol (Ethanol) Serum Test
Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
Test Name | Alcohol (Ethanol), Serum |
Sample Type | Blood (Serum or Plasma) |
Fasting Required? | ❌ Not required |
Detection Window | Detectable for up to 6–12 hours post-consumption depending on amount |
Normal Range | 0 mg/dL (no alcohol) |
Critical Value | >300 mg/dL (can indicate serious or fatal intoxication) |
🔬 What Does This Test Measure?
It measures the concentration of ethanol (ethyl alcohol) in the bloodstream. It is used to:
- Confirm acute alcohol intoxication
- Monitor alcohol poisoning
- Detect ethanol levels in medical or legal cases
- Evaluate compliance in alcohol abstinence programs
💡 Units of Measurement
Unit | Meaning |
|---|---|
mg/dL | Milligrams per deciliter (most common in India) |
% BAC | Blood Alcohol Concentration (%BAC = mg/dL ÷ 1000) |
mmol/L | Alternative metric unit |
Example: 80 mg/dL = 0.08% BAC (legal limit for driving in many countries)
🧠 Organs Involved
- Liver – Metabolizes >90% of ethanol via enzymes like alcohol dehydrogenase
- Brain – Affected at increasing concentrations (CNS depressant)
- Kidneys & Lungs – Excrete small amounts
⚠️ Interpretation of Blood Alcohol Levels
Blood Alcohol Level (mg/dL) | Approx. BAC % | Clinical Effect |
|---|---|---|
0–50 | 0.00–0.05% | Mild euphoria or relaxation |
50–100 | 0.05–0.10% | Impaired judgment, coordination |
100–200 | 0.10–0.20% | Slurred speech, imbalance, confusion |
200–300 | 0.20–0.30% | Stupor, vomiting, possible blackouts |
>300 | >0.30% | Coma, respiratory depression, potentially fatal |
⏳ Time Course of Ethanol in Blood
- Peak levels usually within 30–90 minutes of ingestion
- Declines at a rate of ~15–20 mg/dL per hour
- Rate may vary with liver function, food intake, metabolic rate
🔗 Related/Recommended Tests
Test | Purpose |
|---|---|
Liver Function Tests (LFT) | Assess liver damage from chronic alcohol use |
Gamma GT (GGT) | Often elevated in chronic alcohol consumption |
Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin (CDT) | Long-term alcohol abuse marker |
Urine Ethanol | Alternative for acute ingestion |
Blood Glucose | Hypoglycemia is a risk in alcohol poisoning |
⚖️ Forensic and Legal Use
- Used in medicolegal cases, drunk driving (DUI/DWI) investigations, or workplace incidents
- Requires strict chain-of-custody procedures
- Must be interpreted with awareness of timing and metabolism
✅ Summary Table
Test Name | Alcohol (Ethanol), Serum |
|---|---|
Purpose | Confirm acute alcohol consumption/intoxication |
Organs Involved | Liver, Brain |
Normal Range | 0 mg/dL |
Danger Zone | >300 mg/dL |
Useful For | Emergency care, legal testing, alcohol rehab monitoring |
How our test process works!
