CDT blood testing

What is a blood alcohol test?

A blood alcohol test is a form of alcohol testing that uses a blood sample to determine whether a person has been drinking alcohol chronically and excessively over a defined period.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), if a person consumes more than 60g of alcohol (7.5 units) daily over several months, this is deemed to be chronic and excessive consumption.

There are several types of blood test for alcohol, each of which offers a different insight into a person’s alcohol consumption, depending on their level of use and the effects of this alcohol use on the body.

What is a Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin (CDT) blood test?

A Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin test, also known as a CDT blood alcohol test, is used to establish the percentage of transferrin in the bloodstream that is carbohydrate deficient.

Transferrin is a protein largely made in the liver that regulates the absorption of iron into the blood, and transports iron to the parts of the body that need it.

Alcohol consumption can significantly impact the levels of carbohydrate deficient transferrin in the body, meaning laboratory analysis can be used to measure these levels and draw a conclusion about alcohol use over a defined period.

People who do not drink, or drink moderately, will have lower CDT levels in their blood. However, people who consume 50-80 grams of alcohol at least five days a week for two weeks prior to a CDT test will have significantly higher levels, meaning that CDT testing is a good indicator of excessive alcohol use.

If a person stops drinking, their CDT levels will usually return to normal levels within four weeks.

How does a CDT alcohol test work?

A CDT blood alcohol test requires a blood sample to be collected, usually from the donor’s arm.

This sample is then analysed at the laboratory, to determine the percentage of carbohydrate deficient transferrin present in the blood.

Depending on the CDT levels present, this can indicate that the donor has been drinking alcohol excessively in the four-week period prior to the blood sample being collected.

People who do not drink, or drink moderately, will have lower CDT levels in their blood.

People who consume 50-80 grams of alcohol at least five days a week for two weeks prior to a CDT test will have significantly higher levels of CDT in their blood.

When is CDT alcohol testing used?

There are many circumstances where a CDT alcohol test might be used, including:

Assessing fitness to drive

For anyone convicted of a drink driving offence and considered a high-risk offender, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) will assess their fitness to drive before returning their licence following a disqualification.

The DVLA medical assessment is performed by a DVLA appointed doctor and will usually include a blood test to assess CDT levels in the blood, a brief physical examination, and a medical interview.

The results of a CDT test for the DVLA are assessed using a traffic light system of CDT cut-off levels. These levels vary and will be assessed depending on the driver’s circumstances i.e. whether they have a history of alcohol dependency or misuse, or no history of alcohol dependency or misuse.

In some cases, the driver might want to instruct a private CDT blood test – such as that offered by AlphaBiolabs – ahead of the DVLA blood test, for added reassurance that they are likely to pass the official test.

Safety and welfare cases

Where the safety and welfare of a child or vulnerable person is of concern, due to a parent or guardian’s alcohol misuse or dependency, local authorities or family courts might use CDT alcohol testing – alongside other assessments and alcohol tests including blood, hair, nail, and breath testing – to gain insight into a person’s historic alcohol consumption.

This means that CDT blood testing can play an important role in allowing authorities to make decisions surrounding a child or vulnerable person’s care.

Child custody and access disputes

For private legal matters where custody and/or access to children is in dispute, and a parent/guardian has a history of alcohol misuse or dependence, the court might order a parent or guardian to undergo routine alcohol tests including CDT blood alcohol testing.

This is often used alongside other assessments, and the judge in the case will carefully consider the results of any alcohol tests alongside other relevant evidence when making decisions about child custody and/or access.

Recovery from alcohol misuse/dependency

Some recovery specialists will use CDT blood testing, alongside other alcohol tests, to establish a baseline for their client’s misuse or dependency.

This can then be considered when recommending a suitable treatment plan for the patient. Ongoing CDT blood alcohol tests can also be used to determine whether a patient has been successful in reducing their alcohol consumption during treatment.

How accurate is a CDT blood test?

CDT blood testing is an extremely accurate form of testing that can be used to detect heavy drinking and is second only to Phosphatidylethanol (PEth) testing for the insight it provides into a person’s historic alcohol consumption.

Drinking alcohol to excess over a prolonged period is often the leading cause of elevated CDT levels in the blood.

However, whereas PEth is a direct biomarker of alcohol, meaning it is only present in the body when alcohol has been consumed, CDT is an indirect biomarker.

This means that in addition to excess alcohol consumption, it is possible for other factors to affect a person’s CDT levels, including liver disease, certain medications, and other underlying health conditions.

How far back can a CDT test detect alcohol?

A CDT blood alcohol test can be used to detect chronic and excessive alcohol consumption for approximately four weeks prior to the blood sample being collected.  

What affects the results of a CDT blood test?

Although elevated levels of CDT are suggestive of excess alcohol consumption/misuse, there are other factors that can affect the results of a CDT alcohol test.

These include:

• Certain liver disorders/diseases
• Hormones
• Biological factors such as genetic variations
• Pregnancy – CDT testing cannot be carried out during pregnancy or for two months after birth
• Iron deficiency

Where can I get a CDT test?

Whether you are a member of the public who needs a peace of mind CDT test before your DVLA fitness-to-drive medical, or a privately-instructed legal test for other official matters (e.g. child custody disputes), AlphaBiolabs can help.

Established in 2004, we have extensive experience providing award-winning, accredited alcohol testing – including CDT blood alcohol tests – for members of the public, the legal sector, and the workplace sector.

Our toxicology laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and uses the very latest scientific methods, so you can be confident of receiving 100% accurate, reliable results.

It’s easy to order a peace of mind CDT Blood Test online now. Alternatively, call our friendly and discreet Customer Services team on 0333 600 1300 or email info@alphabiolabs.com to discuss your requirements.