Laboratory Markers for Detecting Alcoholic Groups

Detection of an Alcoholic Group: Laboratory Markers

Blood Tests

• Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV): Elevated MCV is a common finding in chronic alcoholics, but not specific to alcoholism.
• Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT): Elevated GGT is a sensitive indicator of heavy alcohol consumption, but can also be elevated in other liver diseases.
• Aspartate Transaminase (AST): Elevated AST is a marker of liver damage, but not specific to alcoholism.
• Alanine Transaminase (ALT): Elevated ALT is a marker of liver damage, but not specific to alcoholism.
• Carbohydrate-Deficient Transferrin (CDT): Elevated CDT is a specific marker of chronic heavy alcohol consumption, but can be affected by other liver diseases.

Urine Tests

• Ethanol: Detectable in urine for up to 24 hours after consumption.
• Ethyl Glucuronide (EtG): Detectable in urine for up to 80 hours after consumption, and is a specific marker of recent alcohol consumption.
• Ethyl Sulfate (EtS): Detectable in urine for up to 24 hours after consumption, and is a specific marker of recent alcohol consumption.

Other Markers

• Phosphatidylethanol (PEth): A specific marker of chronic heavy alcohol consumption, detectable in whole blood for up to 28 days after consumption.
• 5-Hydroxytryptophol (5-HTOL): A marker of recent alcohol consumption, detectable in urine for up to 24 hours after consumption.

Note: These laboratory markers can be used in combination to increase the accuracy of detection, but should be interpreted in conjunction with clinical evaluation and patient history.