Test to Identify Alcohol Abuse

A new fully automated and direct CDT (carbohydrate-deficient transferrin) immunoassay is designed to identify chronic alcohol abuse.

CDT includes the isoforms disialo-, monosialo-, and asialotransferrin. CDT is known as the most specific marker for the detection and monitoring of chronic alcohol abuse. Heavy drinkers show higher CDT concentrations due to a changed glycosylation pattern of transferring. CDT testing is also effective for the early identification of non-alcohol induced liver diseases.

High alcohol consumption increases the risk of health problems such as liver disease, hypertension, stroke and cardiovascular disease, cancer in the airway and digestive tract, chronic gastritis, and overall mortality. CDT is a specific marker for chronic alcohol abuse (greater than 60 g alcohol/day for a minimum of two weeks) and is also an accurate indicator of a relapse to drinking.

The new N Latex CDT assay is now being launched in Europe by Dade Behring (Deerfield, IL, USA). In combination with N antiserum to human transferrin, the N Latex CDT assay offers a fully automated result available in less than 20 minutes and an automatic calculation of CDT percentage on the BN II and BN ProSpec systems of Dade Behring.

"In keeping with our commitment to relevant, life-saving innovation, we are pleased to offer the first fully automated and highly specific immunoassay for the detection of high alcohol consumption, a frequent cause of liver diseases,” observed Jim Reid-Anderson, chairman, president, and CEO, Dade Behring.






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