For example, information regarding liver transaminases (specific kinds of enzymes that perform chemical reactions within the liver) helps provide the patient with objective information on the level of recent alcohol use and potential acute hepatic damage. In detecting occult (secretive or hidden) use of alcohol and other substances in therapeutic settings where abstinence, rehabilitation, and treatment are being promoted.Ĭlinicians also can use the presentation of information from biochemical markers to patients as an effective tool in motivational enhancement. 2.įor forensic purposes (e.g., evaluating a driver after an automobile accident). In the initial screening setting to support or refute other information that leads to proper diagnosis, assessment, and management.
Common uses of these biochemical markers are: 1. Biochemical markers are not adequate screening or assessment instruments alone, but rather are used to support a more comprehensive clinical assessment. This is not the case for most other substances of abuse.
Tests in all of these areas are reasonably well developed and validated for alcohol. This section focuses on biochemical laboratory tests that detect the presence or absence of alcohol or another substance of abuse, may be able to quantify the level of present use, or may be able to quantify cumulative use over the past few weeks.
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