Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin CDT Test

• Detecting heavy alcohol use: The CDT test can help determine if a person has been drinking heavily over an extended period of time, which can be important for detecting and monitoring alcohol use disorders.
• Monitoring alcohol use disorders: The CDT test can be used to monitor a person's response to treatment for alcohol use disorders, as changes in CDT levels may reflect changes in alcohol use over time.
• Assessing sobriety: The CDT test can be used to assess a person's sobriety, as CDT levels typically return to normal after a period of abstinence from alcohol.
• Supporting legal proceedings: The CDT test may be used in legal proceedings, such as in cases where alcohol use is a factor in a criminal offence or in child custody cases.
• Identifying liver disease: The CDT test may be used as a screening tool for liver disease, as changes in transferrin synthesis can be a sign of liver dysfunction. However, this use of the test is less common.
• CDT can detect chronic alcohol use.
• CDT is used to screen for alcohol misuse.

Carbohydrate-Deficient Transferrin (CDT) test measures the amount of CDT in the blood.

If the results of the CDT test are abnormal, meaning that the CDT levels are elevated, this could suggest that the individual has been consuming high amounts of alcohol over a long period of time. However, it's important to note that elevated CDT levels may also be caused by other factors, such as liver disease or genetic factors. It's also important to note that CDT levels may take several weeks to return to normal after a person stops drinking heavily, so a single CDT test may not be sufficient to determine recent alcohol use. Regular monitoring of CDT levels may be recommended for individuals undergoing treatment for alcohol use disorder.

The CDT test involves a simple blood draw, which is typically taken from a vein in your arm. A healthcare professional will clean the area where the blood will be drawn with an antiseptic and then use a needle to collect a small sample of blood. The blood sample will then be sent to a laboratory for analysis.

No special preparation is required for the CDT test. However, you should let your healthcare provider know if you are taking any medications or have any medical conditions that may affect the test results.

The CDT test may be ordered for individuals who are suspected of heavy alcohol use over a prolonged period of time, particularly when other tests or physical signs suggest liver damage. Some signs and symptoms of liver damage that may prompt a healthcare professional to order a CDT test include:

• Abdominal pain or swelling
• Dark urine
• Fatigue
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Nausea or vomiting
• Pale stool color
• Unexplained weight loss

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Serum CDT test