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HelpTest Code 791584 PHOSPHATIDYLETHANOL (PETH) (LABCORP)
Additional Codes
LAB123810
Collection Requirements
Specimen: Whole blood
Volume: 1 mL
Minimum Volume: 0.5 mL
Container: Lavender-top (EDTA) tube or gray-top (sodium fluoride) tube
Reference Range: PEth levels in excess of 20 ng/mL are considered evidence of moderate to heavy ethanol consumption.
Storage Instructions: Submission/transport (<3 days): Room temperature. For storage beyond three days, specimen should be refrigerated or frozen. Specimen is stable for three days at room temperature, two weeks refrigerated and six months frozen.
Test Use
This test measures blood levels of Phosphatidylethanol (PEth), an alcohol-specific biomarker. PEth may be detectable in blood for approximately 2 to 3 weeks1 following a period of prolonged, regular alcohol consumption or incidents of "binge" or heavy drinking. It is a reliable objective biomarker for validating self-reported consumption and can be used serially to monitor treatment progress over time.