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Liver

CDT Blood Test

A CDT blood test measures carbohydrate-deficient transferrin, a biomarker that indicates chronic heavy alcohol consumption over the preceding weeks. CDT is considered one of the most specific markers for sustained excessive alcohol intake.

Doctor's Assessment Included

CDT (Carbohydrate-Deficient Transferrin): what this test measures

This test measures the proportion of carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT) in the blood. Transferrin is a protein that transports iron in the bloodstream. Chronic heavy alcohol consumption alters the glycosylation pattern of transferrin, resulting in an increase in carbohydrate-deficient isoforms.

Elevated CDT levels typically reflect sustained heavy drinking over approximately 2 to 3 weeks. CDT is not significantly affected by acute or occasional alcohol use.

CDT (Carbohydrate-Deficient Transferrin): why this value matters

CDT testing provides objective evidence of chronic heavy alcohol consumption that other alcohol markers may not capture. Unlike EtG, which detects recent alcohol exposure, CDT reflects a pattern of sustained heavy drinking over weeks.

This makes CDT particularly valuable for treatment programme compliance monitoring, licence reinstatement evaluations, and clinical assessments where a longer-term drinking pattern is relevant.

CDT (Carbohydrate-Deficient Transferrin): how the blood test works

Referral
No GP referral needed. After the order we arrange the referral through ZorgDomein, within one business day; orders after 17:00 or at the weekend start on the next business day. ZorgDomein emails a barcode, and that barcode is what the draw site needs.
The draw
A blood draw from a vein in the arm, at a partner laboratory's draw site. No home kit, no finger prick.
Which test
on its own €130,-
Where
650+ draw sites run by independent laboratories across the Netherlands. Draw sites

CDT (Carbohydrate-Deficient Transferrin): when is testing worthwhile?

Testing may be relevant for monitoring alcohol treatment programme compliance, clinical assessment of suspected chronic alcohol use, occupational health evaluations, and licence reinstatement processes.

Consult a healthcare professional for guidance on when CDT testing is appropriate and how to interpret results in the appropriate clinical or regulatory context.

CDT (Carbohydrate-Deficient Transferrin): frequently asked questions

What drinking pattern does CDT reflect?

CDT levels become elevated after approximately 2 to 3 weeks of sustained heavy alcohol consumption, generally defined as more than 60 grams of alcohol per day. CDT is not typically elevated by occasional or moderate drinking.

How accurate is CDT as an alcohol marker?

CDT is considered one of the most specific biomarkers for chronic heavy drinking, with high specificity. However, certain conditions such as advanced liver disease, genetic variants, and pregnancy may affect CDT levels. Clinical context is important for interpretation.

What should I expect from a CDT blood test?

The test involves a standard blood draw. The sample is analysed to determine the proportion of carbohydrate-deficient transferrin. Results are typically reported as a percentage, with values above the reference range indicating likely chronic heavy alcohol consumption.

Tests with related values

These panels measure values from the same category as this marker.

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Bicarbonate Calcium Chloride Potassium Sodium Glucose (Fasting) HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) Albumin ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) Bilirubin (Total) Urea (BUN) Creatinine eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) Total Protein Bilirubin (Direct) Bilirubin (Indirect)
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Complete Blood Count (CBC) ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) Albumin Total Protein Bilirubin (Total) ApoB (Apolipoprotein B) Total Cholesterol LDL Cholesterol HDL Cholesterol Triglycerides Lipoprotein(a) Urea (BUN) Creatinine eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) Calcium Bicarbonate Chloride Sodium Potassium Magnesium Cortisol DHEA-S Estradiol (E2) FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) LH (Luteinizing Hormone) SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) Total Testosterone Free Testosterone TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) Glucose (Fasting) HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) Insulin (Fasting) HOMA-IR CRP (C-Reactive Protein) Homocysteine Ferritin Iron (Serum) Transferrin Transferrin Saturation Vitamin D (25-OH) Cystatin C Uric Acid Bilirubin (Direct) Bilirubin (Indirect) Cholesterol/HDL Ratio Non-HDL Cholesterol LDL/HDL Ratio
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Medical standards

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Medical policy
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CDT (Carbohydrate-Deficient Transferrin)

€130,-