Orderable EAP code:

LAB103151

Billable EAP Codes:

80005398 x 1

CPT Codes:

80321 x 1

Lab Section:

Biochemical Genetics

Turnaround Time:

5 Days 

Test Schedule:

Monday - Friday; 2 times a week. 

Units:

ng/mL

Interpretation:

PEth 16:0/18:1(POPEth)

Less than 10ng/mL: Not Detected 

Less than 20 ng/mL: Abstinence or light alcohol consumption

20 - 200 ng/mL: Moderate alcohol consumption

Greater than 200 ng/mL: Heavy alcohol consumption or chronic alcohol use. 

Specimen Requirements:

Specimen Type: Whole blood

Specimen preparation: Blood collected in EDTA tube (Lavender top)

Minimum test volume: 1.0 mL whole blood 

Storage/transport conditions: Refrigerated

Stability: Refrigerated: 14 days

Unacceptable conditions: N/A
 

Pediatric Specimen Requirements:

Specimen Type: Whole blood

Specimen preparation: Blood collected in EDTA tube (Lavender top)

Minimum test volume: 1.0 mL whole blood 

Storage/transport conditions: Refrigerated

Stability: Refrigerated: 14 days

Unacceptable conditions: N/A

Reference Range:

<10 ng/mL

Comments:

Phosphatidylethanol (PEth) is a group of phospholipids formed in the presence of ethanol, phospholipase D and phosphatidylcholine. PEth is known to be a direct alcohol biomarker. The predominant PEth homologue is PEth 16:0/18:1 (POPEth), which accounts for 37-46% of the total PEth . PEth is incorporated into the phospholipid membrane of red blood cells and has a general half-life of 4-10 days and a window of detection of 2-4 weeks. However, the window of detection is longer in individuals who chronically or excessively consume alcohol. The limit of quantification is 10 ng/mL. Serial monitoring of PEth may be helpful in monitoring alcohol abstinence over time. PEth results should be interpreted in the context of the patient's clinical and behavioral history. Patients with advanced liver disease may have falsely elevated PEth concentrations (Nguyen VL et al 2018, Alcoholism Clinical & Experimental Research).

This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by OHSU Laboratories. It has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This test was performed in a CLIA-certified laboratory and is intended for clinical purposes. 

Methodology:  Quantitative Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Synonyms:

PEth
POPEth