Phosphatidylethanol (Sendout)

General Information

Lab Name

Lab Code

RPETH

Epic Name

Phosphatidylethanol (Sendout)

External Test Id

3002598

Description

Useful For: Verifying abstinence or use of ethanol especially in liver transplant candidates/patients.

Clinical Information: Phosphatidylethanol (PEth) is a group of phospholipids formed in the presence of ethanol, phospholipase D and phosphatidylcholine. PEth is known to be a direct alcohol biomarker. The predominant PEth homologues are PEth 16:0/18:1 (POPEth) and PEth 16:0/18:2 (PLPEth), which account for 37-46% and 26-28% of the total PEth homologues, respectively. PEth is incorporated into the phospholipid membrane of red blood cells and has a general half-life of 4 - 10 days and a window of detection of 2 - 4 weeks. However, the window of detection is longer in individuals who chronically or excessively consume alcohol. Serial monitoring of PEth may be helpful in monitoring alcohol abstinence over time. PEth results should be interpreted in the context of the patient's clinical and behavioral history. Patients with advanced liver disease may have falsely elevated PEth concentrations¹.

References

Nguyen VL, Haber PS, Seth D. Applications and Challenges for the Use of Phosphatidylethanol Testing in Liver Disease Patients (Mini Review). Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2018 Feb;42(2):238-243. doi: 10.1111/acer.13558. Epub 2017 Dec 28. PMID: 29155439.
ARUP Consult®: Alcohol Use Biomarkers

Synonyms

1 2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanol, 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosph, PETH, PEth 16:0/18:1, PEth 16:0/18:2, PLPEth, POPEth

Components

Code	Name
RPOPE	PEth 16:0/18:1 (POPEth)
RPLPET	PEth 16:0/18:2 (PLPEth)
RPTHIN	Phosphatidylethanol Interpretation

Interpretation

Method

Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)

Reference Range

See individual components

Ref. Range Notes

Reference Values:

PEth 16:0/18:1 (POPEth):

<10 ng/mL:	Not Detected
<20 ng/mL:	Abstinence or light alcohol consumption
20 - 200 ng/mL:	Moderate alcohol consumption
>200 ng/mL	Heavy alcohol consumption or chronic alcohol use

PEth 16:0/18:2 (PLPEth): Reference ranges are not well established.

References

Nguyen VL, Haber PS, Seth D. Applications and Challenges for the Use of Phosphatidylethanol Testing in Liver Disease Patients (Mini Review). Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2018 Feb;42(2):238-243. doi: 10.1111/acer.13558. Epub 2017 Dec 28. PMID: 29155439.
ARUP Consult®: Alcohol Use Biomarkers

Ordering & Collection

Specimen Type

Blood

Collection

3 mL blood in a LAVENDER top (EDTA) tube

Also Accepted: PINK (EDTA), GREEN (Li Heparin without gel), GRAY (Potassium oxalate)

After collection, expedite transport to the laboratory. Samples must be refrigerated within 3 hours of collection.

Handling Instructions

Outside Laboratories: Refrigerate whole blood in original collection container within 3 hours of collection.

Stability: Refrigerated (preferred): 2 weeks; Frozen: 1 month; Ambient: 3 hours.

Unacceptable Conditions: Gel separator tubes, Plain Red, light blue (citrate), or yellow (SPS or ACD solution).

Quantity

Requested: 1 mL EDTA whole blood
Minimum: 0.5 mL EDTA whole blood

Processing

Receiving Instructions

Do not centrifuge. Refrigerate whole blood in original collection container within 3 hours of collection.

Sendouts:

Order ARUP Test: 3002598.
Interfaced: Yes [Interface Number: 602; Department: ARPR]

Stability: Refrigerated (preferred): 2 weeks; Frozen: 1 month; Ambient: 3 hours.

Unacceptable Conditions: Gel separator tubes, Plain Red, light blue (citrate), or yellow (SPS or ACD solution).

Misc Sendout

Performance

Lab Department

Sendouts ARUP Lab (RF)(ARPR)

Frequency

Performed: Sunday - Saturday. Report Available: 1-4 days.

Available STAT?

Performing Location(s)

Sendout	ARUP Laboratories, Inc. 800-522-2787 500 Chipeta Way Salt Lake City, UT 84108

Billing & Coding

CPT Codes: G0480
LOINC: 74661-0
Interfaced Order Code: UOW5660