What is CDT (Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin)?
-Specific marker for chronic alcohol use – high levels indicate increased consumption
-Significantly increases the diagnostic accuracy in patients with elevated GGT (Gammaglutamyl transferase)
When is it tested?
– at the earliest one week after alcohol consumption (50-80g ethanol/day)
– up to 2-4 weeks after stop drinking alcohol.
How is it tested?
-The fraction of disialotransferrin in a blood sample is determined by capillary electrophoresis
Where does it apply?
– in general, forensic, psychiatric and occupational medicine
– for follow-up after alcohol withdrawal