Ethyl Sulfate, Confirmation
CPT Code(s):
80321
Turnaround Time:
24 - 72 hours
Specimen Requirements
Preferred Specimen:
Urine
Minimum Volume:
1.0 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
Stability Criteria
Room Temperature:
24 hours
Refrigerated:
7 days
Frozen:
30 days
Clinical Significance
The Ethyl Sulfate (EtS) test with quantitative results using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS) holds specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in the field of toxicology and alcohol monitoring. Ethyl sulfate is a direct metabolite of alcohol (ethanol) and serves as a reliable marker for recent alcohol consumption.
The clinical significance and diagnostic use of Ethyl Sulfate with quantitative results include:
1. Alcohol Monitoring: EtS is specifically used to monitor alcohol consumption and assess recent alcohol use history. It detects the presence of ethyl sulfate in a patient's urine or other biological samples, providing objective evidence of recent alcohol intake. The test can identify alcohol use even when traditional alcohol tests, such as breathalyzer tests, may not be able to detect low levels or recent consumption.
2. Abstinence Verification: EtS is commonly employed to verify abstinence from alcohol. It is used in substance abuse treatment programs, probation or parole programs, and workplace monitoring programs to confirm that individuals are adhering to their alcohol abstinence requirements. Regular testing helps monitor and support individuals in their recovery efforts.
3. Legal and Forensic Applications: EtS has forensic and legal applications. It can be used in legal proceedings, such as child custody cases or DUI (driving under the influence) cases, to provide objective evidence of recent alcohol consumption. EtS testing can also be employed in postmortem investigations to determine if alcohol played a role in a person's death.
4. Occupational Safety: EtS is utilized in occupational settings to promote workplace safety, particularly in industries where alcohol use can pose a risk. Testing employees in safety-sensitive positions helps maintain a drug- and alcohol-free work environment and reduces the potential for accidents or injuries associated with alcohol impairment.
5. Treatment Compliance: EtS aids in monitoring compliance with alcohol treatment programs. It provides healthcare professionals with valuable information to assess patients' adherence to treatment plans, identify potential relapses or deviations from abstinence, and make informed decisions regarding the adjustment or continuation of treatment.
It is important to note that EtS has limitations, including the detection of incidental exposure to alcohol (such as the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers) and the inability to determine the quantity or timing of alcohol consumption accurately.
In summary, Ethyl Sulfate with quantitative results using LC/MS-MS has specific clinical significance in alcohol monitoring, abstinence verification, legal and forensic applications, occupational safety, and treatment compliance. By measuring ethyl sulfate levels in urine or other biological samples, this test provides valuable information for clinical decision-making, substance abuse treatment, workplace safety, and legal proceedings related to alcohol use.