Ethanol (Alcohol, Ethyl)

No gel in red top bullet Tube Type = Red Top and Royal Blue

No gel in red top bullet

Tube Type

Test ID LAB46
EPIC ORDER ETHANOL
CPT Code(s) 82077
Group/Individual Test Individual
Laboratory Core
Tube Station Routine: 30; STAT: 888
Specimen Routine:
7mL blood/navy blue plain tube/red plain tube also acceptable; See Comments
Micro: 500 µL blood/plain red top (No Gel) or red top bullet Only
Stability Spun and separated samples stable 2 days at room temp or refrigerated.
Availability Routine: 24 hrs/day
STAT: Yes
Turnaround Time Routine:  2 hrs
STAT: 1 hr
Reference Range                   Normal: ≤10 mg/dL
Critical: >200 mg/dL; >350 for Emergency Department
Comments           
  • DO NOT PREP PATIENT WITH ALCOHOL SWAB
  • Red top pediatric tubes must NOT contain serum separator gel.
  • Testing is for medical purposes only. Isopropanol and ethylene glycol, as well as extreme elevations in LDH and/or lactate may cause positive or elevated ethanol results. 

Reviewed by J. Carr on January 09, 2026

UNC Hospitals
McLendon Clinical Laboratories
101 Manning Drive
Chapel Hill, NC 27514