Adult patient:
Clotted blood tube
(Serum gel separator clot activator tube)
Minimum blood volume: 5 mL
Paediatric patient:
Paediatric clotted blood tube
Number of vials: 1
Minimum blood volume: 0.8 mL
Authorisation code required
No
24 Hr available service
Yes
Precaution
Do not use alcohol or other volatile disinfectants at the site of venipuncture. Aqueous Zephiran (benzalkonium chloride), aqueous Merthiolate (thimerosal), or povidone-iodine may be used.
Method
Spectrophotometry
Reference interval
| Slowing of reflexes | 10.9 – 21.7 mmol/L |
| Impaired visual acuity | 10.9 – 21.7 mmol/L |
| Depression of CNS | > 21.7 mmol/L |
| Fatalities reported | > 86.8 mmol/L |
The above reference values are average values which may be subject to marked between-individual variation. Habitual heavy drinkers may show more tolerance to the effects of ethanol, non-drinkers less tolerance.
(Source: Tietz NW. Clinical Guide to Laboratory Tests. 3rd ed. Philadelphia. PA: WB Saunders Co; 1995: 224 - 225)
Clinical indication
To establish recent ingestion of ethanol (e.g. in the assessment of possible drug overdose and impaired consciousness after trauma).
Result interpretation
See reference interval section.
Measurement of uncertainty
Frequency of measurement
Daily