Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin

Pathology category

Biochemistry - referred tests

Code

CDT

Referral code

Request form

Test information

To discriminate between alcohol induced hepatotoxicity and liver disease of other origin. The majority of transferrin in the blood has 3-5 carbohydrate sidechains. CDT refers to transferrin with 0-2 sidechains, which usually represents <2.6% of the total. Alcohol inhibits glycosyl transferase and stimulates sialidase enzymes in the liver, resulting in an increase of CDT in the blood. More reliable indicator than GGT (more sensitive and much more specific) for recent heavy consumption of alcohol.

Guidelines

Pre-analytical

Discuss with biochemist before sending

Reference range

see report

Tube type

Tube type info

SST

Special requirements

Serum

Minimum volume

2 mL

Assay frequency

TAT Inpatient (urgent)

TAT Inpatient

4 weeks

TAT GP/Outpatient

4 weeks

Referral lab

Protein Reference Unit & Immunology, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals