Ethanol – Plasma

Testing Laboratory

Auckland Te Toka Tumai | Auckland Hospital

Department

Chemical Pathology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

ETH

Test Code (Numeric Code)

0865

Laboratory Handling

Phlebotomy

DO NOT SWAB THE VENEPUNCTURE SITE WITH ALCOHOL.

Registration

Methanol {Heparin, Plain - URGENT - Hand deliver to TOX during the day - After hours PLEASE notify Rapid Response staff.}

Sample Stability

2 days at 25°C 2 weeks at 5°C 4 weeks at -15°C

Synonyms

[Alcohol],[Ethanol]

Turnaround Time

3 hours

Specimen Type

  • Plasma
  • Serum

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred
  • Lithium Heparin PST- Gel (Light Green Cap)
Acceptable
  • Heparin (Microtainer)
  • Lithium Heparin - Non-gel (Green Cap)
  • Plain (Red Top)

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred
  • Heparin (Microtainer)
Acceptable
  • Lithium Heparin - Non-gel (Green Cap)
  • Lithium Heparin PST- Gel (Light Green Cap)
  • Plain (Red Top)

Pre-testing Requirements

DO NOT SWAB THE VENEPUNCTURE SITE WITH ALCOHOL

Last updated: 09/03/2026