Source	Blood
Mnemonic	ETOH
Specimen Requirements	1 x 3 mL light green (mint) top PST tube. Gold top SST tube also acceptable. 0.2 mL heparinized plasma or serum Minimum Whole Blood Volumes for Micro-Collections using Microtainers DO NOT swab arm with alcohol; DISINFECT with IODINE.
Specimen Handling	Centrifuge sample to separate plasma/serum from cells within 2 hours of collection. Where possible, a PST/SST collection tube that has never been opened prior to analysis provides the best sample integrity. If tube is opened; exposure of sample to air must be minimal to prevent evaporation of ethanol. STATs from PSC route directly to FMC.
Additional Information	NOTE: Collection of Specimens for Police (kits): Laboratory Assistants are not authorized under the Criminal Code to collect specimens for law enforcement. CHR policy #1375 is currently under revision to align with the Criminal Code and to clarify that specimen collection for law enforcement (kit supplied by police) may only be performed by: - a Physician or - a Nurse or Combined Laboratory/X-ray Technologist under the direction of a Physician. Contact the Pathologist-on-call (cell phone: 403-860-1802) or Clinical Biochemistry Division Head with inquiries.
Testing Location	Chemistry-ACH, FMC, PLC, RGH, SMCHC & CCHC
Testing Frequency	Daily
Alternate Name(s)	Alcohol
Reference Interval	Legal limit: 17.4 mmol/L Click here for critical values.