Ethanol
Ethanol serves for diagnosis of intoxication and poisoning particularly for emergency room patients.
Reference Ranges
| Ethanol is present in serum and blood only after ingestion. | ||
|---|---|---|
| 0.3 – 1.2 g/L | 6.5 - 26.0 mmol/L | Slowed reflexes, diminution of attention, judgment and control |
| 1.2 – 2.5 g/L | 26.0 - 54.3 mmol/L | Reduced visual acuity and increased reaction time |
| 2.5 – 3.5 g/L | 54.3 - 76.0 mmol/L | Muscular incoordination, decreased response to stimuli |
| > 3.5 g/L | > 76.0 mmol/L | Impairment of circulation and respiration, possible death |
Each laboratory should check if the reference ranges are transferable to its own patient population and determine own reference ranges if necessary. For diagnostic purposes, the results should always be assessed with the patient’s medical history, clinical examinations and other findings.
For information on clinical relevance, please refer to the package insert.