Phosphatidylethanol (PEth) Alcohol Test
Specimen Type: Blood
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Description:
Phosphatidylethanol (PEth) Alcohol Test (Labcorp)
What is a PEth Alcohol Test?
The PEth Blood test measures levels of phosphatidylethanol, an alcohol-specific biomarker, in the blood. PEth is a phospholipid that is formed in the presence of ethanol and bonds to the membrane of red blood cells. The more a person drinks, the more PEth will be formed.
What does a PEth test show?
PEth blood testing is used to detect prolonged or heavy "binge" alcohol consumption. The typical detection period for PEth is 2-3 weeks but it may be detectable for longer depending on how much alcohol was consumed or for how long. PEth levels above 20 ng/ml typically indicate moderate to heavy ethanol consumption.
Positive test results will provide a quantitative (numerical) value for the PEth level detected. Negative results will simply be reported as "negative."
How accurate is a Peth alcohol test?
Because PEth requires the presence of Ethanol to form it is considered more sensitive and specific than other forms of alcohol testing. While PEth testing is not typically sensitive to incidental alcohol exposure such as using mouthwash or hand sanitizer, it is still possible that such exposure could affect test results. It is important to note that test results should be interpreted in the context of all available clinical and behavioral information. The PEth test is not intended to screen for minimal or infrequent alcohol use. A PEth test cannot indicate if a person is intoxicated when the test is taken. An Alcohol EtG Urine Test is more appropriate for detecting recent, less excessive alcohol consumption.
How long does it take to get results for a PEth blood test?
Turnaround for this test is typically 6-10 business days.
Where can I find an Alcohol Phosphatidylethanol Test near me?
Request A Test partners with over 3,600 lab locations across the USA. Check our lab finder to locate a collection site in your area.
Note: Result turn around times are an estimate and are not guaranteed. Our reference lab may need additional time due to weather, holidays, confirmation/repeat testing, or equipment maintenance.
Requirements:
Please be aware that due to national staffing shortages at the labs, results for drug testing may take longer than normal. Request A Test cannot guarantee turnaround time for test results.
Customers testing in the state of California should call their selected lab to verify that they can do specimen collections for a chain-of-custody blood drug test.
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