Alcohol, Screen
CPT Code(s):
80307
Turnaround Time:
8 hours
Specimen Requirements
Preferred Specimen:
Urine
Minimum Volume:
5.0 mL
Transport Container:
Yellow Top Tube or Sterile Cup
Transport Temperature:
Room Temperature
Collection Instructions:
Collect urine in plastic container and transfer to plain yellow top tube (without preservative).
Rejection Criteria:
Specimen received outside stability requirements; Excessive blood, particulates, viscosity present. Preservative (speckled top) tube.
Stability Criteria
Room Temperature:
5 days
Refrigerated:
5 days
Frozen:
30 days
Clinical Significance
Alcohol Screen using immunoassay holds specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in the field of toxicology and substance abuse. This test is designed to detect the presence of alcohol in a patient's body fluids, typically urine or breath.
The clinical significance and diagnostic use of Alcohol Screen using immunoassay include:
1. Detection of Recent Alcohol Use: The test provides a quick and convenient method to determine whether a patient has consumed alcohol recently. It is particularly useful in situations such as workplace testing, post-accident assessments, or assessing compliance in alcohol-related treatment programs.
2. Assessment of Alcohol Abuse and Dependency: Alcohol Screen helps healthcare providers assess whether a patient may have an alcohol abuse or dependency problem. By detecting the presence of alcohol, the test can provide evidence to guide further evaluation, treatment planning, and intervention.
3. Monitoring Treatment and Abstinence: For patients undergoing alcohol addiction treatment or participating in recovery programs, regular alcohol screening helps monitor treatment progress and ensure abstinence. A negative test result indicates compliance with sobriety and treatment goals, while positive results may suggest relapse or non-compliance.
4. Medicolegal and Forensic Applications: Alcohol Screen is relevant in medicolegal settings, such as legal cases involving alcohol-related offenses or accidents. It can provide objective evidence of recent alcohol consumption, which may be essential for legal proceedings and determining legal responsibility.
5. Workplace Safety and Compliance: The test plays a crucial role in maintaining a safe working environment. Employers may use Alcohol Screen to screen employees in safety-sensitive positions or to comply with regulatory requirements. It helps identify individuals who may be under the influence of alcohol while on duty, reducing the risk of accidents and promoting workplace safety.
It's important to note that Alcohol Screen using immunoassay provides a qualitative result, indicating the presence or absence of alcohol above a specific threshold. If a positive result is obtained, further confirmatory testing using more specific methods, such as gas chromatography or mass spectrometry, is typically performed to confirm the presence of alcohol and provide quantitative measurements.
In summary, Alcohol Screen using immunoassay is clinically significant in toxicology and substance abuse evaluations. It aids in the detection of recent alcohol use, assessment of alcohol abuse and dependency, monitoring treatment and abstinence, medicolegal and forensic applications, and workplace safety. This test provides valuable information to healthcare providers, employers, and legal professionals, supporting the appropriate management and intervention in alcohol-related situations.