Ethanol (Urine)

Testing Laboratory

Department

Chemical Pathology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

TST6

Test Code (Numeric Code)

3076

Laboratory Handling

Laboratory

LabPLUS Toxicology

Sample Stability

Stable for two weeks at 2-8°C

Synonyms

Ethanol, Alcohol (Urine), Drug Screen: Alcohol, Drug Screen: Ethanol

Turnaround Time

1 day

Availability: If required outside normal working hours (Mon- Fri, 8am - 4.30pm), the request must be approved by a Chemical Pathologist. The request form must be clearly marked ' Urgent' and the laboratory must be alerted by telephone (via Lablink) before the sample is sent.

Specimen Type

• Urine

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Specimen Container

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

2

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Specimen Container

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

2

Additional Specimen Information

Laboratory Notes
Place all non-urgent urine samples in the TOX tray located in Spec. reception

Urgent samples - (From AED/CED)

During normal working hours, hand deliver all urgent samples to a member of staff in the Toxicology laboratory.

Out of normal working hours, give the sample to a member of automation staff.

Aliquot Instructions

Sample Type

• Urine

Minimum Volume (ml)

2

Transport to Lab

Ambient (8 - 24 degrees Celsius)
If overnight - Chilled (2 - 8 degrees Celsius)

Test Method

Principle: Immunoassay

Limitations / Interference

In addition to alcoholic beverages, ethyl alcohol can be found in high concentrations in a variety of products such as mouthwashes, colognes, sweets and medicinal preparations. Increased levels of lactic acid and LDH in post-mortem specimens may cause elevated ethyl alcohol results.

Uncertainty of Measurement

10%

Contact Information