Alcoholism is affecting a large number of people all over the world. The family and friends of an alcoholic are the first to notice the symptoms of alcohol abuse. Professional help is required so that the alcoholic comes out of the situation and leads a better life. Doctors use various techniques in order to diagnose alcoholism or alcohol abuse. A popular method involves taking urine and blood tests. The urine and blood tests are effective enough to decide the exact percentage of alcohol in the blood.
The blood alcohol content (BAC) is an important test among the number of urine and blood tests. However, this test does not differentiate between alcoholics and non alcoholics. It only decides the content of alcohol in the blood. Again, there are certain tests which are helpful in case the person has been prone to alcoholism for a longer period of time. Some of these urine and blood tests include Macrocytosis (enlarged MCV)1, Elevated GGT, Moderate elevation of AST and ALT. AST:ALT and High carbohydrate deficient transferrin (CDT) are also tests which detect alcohol abuse.
Ethyl glucuronide or EtG is known as a direct metabolite of ethanol alcohol. If EtG is found in urine, it shows recent alcohol intake. The presence of EtG in the urine is an indicator that alcohol has been ingested. Earlier, laboratories used to measure the amount of alcohol present in the body. This did not properly detect alcohol consumption as it was only capable of detecting alcohol consumption for a few hours. The presence of EtG in the urine, on the other hand can detect whether ethanol alcohol was ingested within the last three or four days. To be more specific it can detect alcohol consumption roughly 80 hours after the ethanol alcohol has been metabolized by the body.
Macrocytosis is another form of urine and blood tests which is very helpful for determining alcohol consumption. With this test, the doctors can find out if there is an enlargement of the red blood cells. This test also helps to determine whether or not the patient is suffering from any kind of liver disease.
Carbohydrate deficient transferrin or CDT is also a laboratory test which detects heavy ethanol consumption. It can be measured by taking a sample of the patient's blood. Higher levels of CDT indicate alcohol abuse. From this test, you will also get to know whether the liver associated enzymes are elevated or not.
To know more about identification and diagnosis of alcoholism, take a look at the pages of alcoholabusehub.com.
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