CDT | Carbohydrate-Deficient Transferrin

CDT (carbohydrate-deficient transferrin) is a laboratory blood test used to assess long-term and excessive alcohol consumption. Transferrin is a protein that transports iron in the blood. Frequent and heavy alcohol consumption alters the structure of transferrin, reducing the number of carbohydrate chains attached to it, thereby increasing the level of the so-called carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT) in the blood.

This test is considered one of the most specific biological markers for identifying chronic alcohol abuse. An increase in CDT concentration usually indicates regular consumption of larger amounts of alcohol over the past 1–2 weeks. The test can also be used to monitor treatment progress or reductions in alcohol consumption.

Who is this test for?

The test is recommended for individuals who want to:

• assess potential long-term or excessive alcohol consumption;
• objectively check their alcohol consumption habits;
• monitor the progress of treatment or adherence to abstinence;
• obtain additional information about liver condition along with other tests;
• use the test for professional or legal purposes (e.g., health checks).

The test can be conducted both prophylactically and when there is suspicion of alcohol abuse or when monitoring treatment outcomes.

When is it recommended?

The test is particularly useful if:

• there are suspicions of regular or heavy alcohol consumption;
• you want to objectively assess changes in alcohol consumption;
• alcohol dependence treatment monitoring is being conducted;
• there are changes in liver function with unclear causes;
• a reliable biological marker is needed for medical or administrative purposes.

What will you learn from the test?

After conducting the CDT test, the patient will receive information about:

• the concentration of carbohydrate-deficient transferrin in the blood;
• potential long-term and intensive alcohol consumption;
• whether the detected changes might be related to the effects of alcohol on the body;
• the effectiveness of reducing or stopping alcohol consumption;
• whether additional tests or a doctor’s consultation might be needed.

This test provides important information about the impact of alcohol consumption on the body and helps objectively evaluate consumption habits, monitor changes, and make informed decisions regarding further examination or treatment.