Phosphatidylethanol PEth Alcohol Test

PEth test - measuring alcohol consumption reliably

The Phosphatidylethanol (PEth) test is a highly reliable and sensitive biomarker for detecting alcohol consumption, perfectly suited for monitoring chronic and/or excessive alcohol consumption. This test is often used in medical settings to objectively determine alcohol consumption and monitor for alcohol abstinence.

This test can be used as a follow-up to a CDT alholtest if it involves Disalo-Trisalo bridging*.

Why choose the PEth test?

• Reliable alcohol marker: Detects alcohol consumption up to 4 weeks back.
• Sensitive and specific: Even small amounts of alcohol consumption are recorded.
• Suitable for various situations:
  • Monitoring for alcohol abstinence.
  • Determination of chronic alcohol abuse.
  • Support for treatments aimed at harm reduction.

How does the test work?

The test analyzes 0.20 ml of EDTA blood using the accurate liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS) method. This provides a quantitative measurement of PEth levels in the blood.

• Guideline: <20 ng/ml is considered no or minimal alcohol consumption.
• Results: PEth values above this limit may demonstrate alcohol use or abuse.

Note: An assessment of drinking behavior is reliable only after a minimum of two measurements at least one week apart.

For whom is this test intended?

This test is suitable for anyone who:

• Needs objective monitoring of alcohol use or abstinence.
• Is in a medical treatment program for alcohol addiction.
• Want to exclude alcohol consumption in medical or legal matters.

Important information:

• The test is conducted at an ISO-certified laboratory.

* What happens in Disalo-Trisalo bridging?

• In this situation, unintended interactions or bridging between antibodies and antigens form complex structures (bridging). This can lead to erroneous results.
• Specific:
  • Disalo bridging: Bonds are formed between two different antibodies and one antigen.
  • Trisalo bridging: A more complex interaction involving multiple antibodies and antigens.

This "bridging" causes the results of the test to not match the actual situation in the body.