🧪 Lab Test (Blood Chemistry / Toxicology) 🧫 Whole blood (venous) for ethanol concentration (BAC) testing

Blood Alcohol Level: Nursing Guide

Blood alcohol level (BAC) measures ethanol in blood for up to about 12 hours after drinking — but nurses treat airway, breathing, and neurologic status first. Escalate when altered mental status, ataxia, alcohol poisoning, confusion, or vomiting accompany a high result.

15 min read
Updated June 20, 2026
Medically Reviewed
Written by
Sid A. Abdala Balal
RN — Registered Nurse
Medically Reviewed by
Dr. Adam Sayedi
MD — Medical Doctor

Contents

Overview Safety Note Can / Cannot Safety Check Clinical Interpretation Related Tests Bedside Notes Workflow Mental Checklist Why It Is Ordered Patient Preparation Specimen / Procedure Results & Interpretation Critical Results Nursing Responsibilities Documentation Patient Education Blood Alcohol Level NCLEX practice questions FAQ References Related Topics Editorial Review

Quick Facts

Category
Whole-blood ethanol concentration
Why it is ordered
Suspected intoxication
Main nursing risk
Missing respiratory depression or aspiration
Turnaround
Turnaround and screening rules vary by institution; follow local policy

Key Takeaway

A blood alcohol level confirms ethanol exposure and supports severity assessment, but NIAAA alcohol overdose guidance and standard clinical references both stress that breathing depression, inability to awaken, vomiting, and hypothermia require urgent action.

Specimen & Collection Details

Nurse quick-reference for collection prep that affects result quality.

Tube / container

Gray top (sodium fluoride/potassium oxalate) or site-approved ethanol tube

Use preservative-containing tubes specified by the reporting laboratory for ethanol stability; avoid alcohol-based skin antiseptic at the venipuncture site per preanalytical reviews

Specimen type

Whole blood (venous) for ethanol concentration (BAC) testing

Volume required

Turnaround and screening rules vary by institution; follow local policy — follow local laboratory minimum volume

Collection timing

Collect as soon as clinically safe; document exact draw time and estimated last drink because timing affects accuracy

Fasting required

No special preparation is usually required — follow prescriber and local laboratory instructions

Transport / storage

Transport promptly with cap secured per laboratory policy; ethanol may evaporate if specimens are mishandled

Turnaround time

Turnaround and screening rules vary by institution; follow local policy — stat toxicology timing varies by institution

Lab section

Chemistry / toxicology laboratory

What is Blood Alcohol Level?

Blood Alcohol Level measures the amount of ethanol (ethyl alcohol) in a blood sample. this is most often reported as blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and can detect alcohol for up to about 12 hours after the last drink, though timing and individual factors affect results.

Overview

Nurses encounter blood alcohol testing in emergency departments when patients arrive with slurred speech, unsteady gait, reduced consciousness, or possible alcohol poisoning. clinical laboratory references states medical ethanol testing supports evaluation when symptoms suggest intoxication or ethanol toxicity — often alongside glucose, electrolytes, and other tests because similar presentations have many causes.

On this Tests & Diagnostics page, nursing focus is interpretation, specimen validity, and escalation — not step-by-step venipuncture technique (see the Performance procedure guide). Pair BAC with basic metabolic panel, complete blood count, and lactate when metabolic, bleeding, or perfusion concerns exist.

Clinical Nursing Focus

Before collection: confirm last drink timing, use non-alcohol skin prep when policy requires, and protect the airway if vomiting or reduced consciousness is present. After the result: interpret BAC with respiratory rate, mental status, glucose, and aspiration risk — not legal driving thresholds alone.

Alcohol Poisoning Escalation and Specimen Safety

High BAC with depressed respirations is a clinical emergency. Document timing of the last drink, note antiseptic used during collection, and escalate airway or breathing decline immediately.

Highest-risk scenarios
  • BAC 0.28% with RR 8/min and repeated emesis
  • Inability to awaken, snoring respirations, or poor airway protection
  • Possible co-ingestion with sedatives/opioids or head trauma
  • Specimen prep notes suggesting possible alcohol contamination

Document: last drink timing, draw time, prep method, respiratory trend, and escalation communication.

What Blood Alcohol Level Can and Cannot Tell You

This test can help identify:

  • Ethanol concentration to support intoxication severity assessment
  • Alcohol poisoning risk when paired with exam findings
  • Trend direction during ongoing observation and treatment
  • Need for broader differential workup when findings are discordant

This test cannot:

  • Replace airway, breathing, circulation, and neurologic reassessment
  • Exclude mixed overdose, trauma, hypoglycemia, or infection
  • Convert legal impairment limits into bedside treatment rules
  • Provide one universal critical value for every patient

Pre-collection Safety for Blood Alcohol Level

Verify

✓Correct patient and urgent BAC order details
✓Estimated last drink timing and presenting symptoms
✓Airway protection and respiratory rate before routine tasks
✓Collection prep method documented for interpretation reliability
✓Glucose and chemistry workup aligned with altered status protocol
✓Immediate escalation route established for deterioration

Clarify before proceeding when:

  • Order indication does not match acute intoxication or poisoning workup
  • Alcohol-based skin prep was used without laboratory guidance
  • Last drink time is unknown and result conflicts with exam findings
  • Patient has respiratory depression before specimen reaches the laboratory
  • Trauma or co-ingestion is suspected but not addressed in parallel orders
  • Critical result has not been acknowledged by the responsible clinician

Interpreting BAC for Clinical Nursing Action

Interpret BAC with timing of intake, respiratory pattern, mentation, and aspiration risk. Medical toxicity signs outweigh legal threshold language in acute care decisions.

BAC contextClinical meaningNursing focus
High BAC with RR suppressionAlcohol poisoning riskEscalate airway/breathing support and continuous monitoring
High BAC with repeated vomitingAspiration and hypoxia riskProtect airway and notify prescriber per facility protocol
Unexpected BAC relative to examPossible contamination, timing mismatch, or co-ingestionClarify collection details and expand differential workup
Declining BAC with persistent confusionOngoing non-ethanol pathology possibleContinue full reassessment and evaluate outcomes
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Reference ranges, critical values, and protocols may vary by laboratory, institution, patient population, and testing method. Always follow local policy and the reporting laboratory’s reference range.

Tests and Treatments That Add Context to BAC

Related testWhy it may be ordered
Point-of-care glucoseExclude hypoglycemia in reduced consciousness per clinical laboratory references concurrent workup guidance
Basic metabolic panelElectrolyte and renal context when vomiting or dehydration complicates intoxication
LactateAssess perfusion when hypotension or prolonged unresponsiveness is present
Other toxic alcohols (methanol, isopropanol)When ingestion of non-ethanol alcohols is suspected — per prescriber and laboratory protocol
Repeat BACTrend clearance during observation — interpret with neurologic and respiratory exams
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Timing, Prep Contamination, and Airway Risk at the Bedside

Bedside pointNursing note
Timing context BAC detection window — chart last drink and draw time
Prep contamination riskDocument non-alcohol vs alcohol-based skin prep on the requisition
Legal vs medical interpretationDo not use driving limits as ED clearance criteria
Airway riskNIAAA overdose signs include slow breathing and inability to awaken
Outcome trackingEvaluate outcomes with serial neuro-respiratory checks, not BAC alone
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Alcohol Poisoning Escalation Workflow

Diagnostic safety badge: Critical-result test — prompt review and escalation may be required when alcohol poisoning signs accompany elevated BAC.

Check-before-test protocol

  1. Assess ABCs and aspiration risk first
  2. Document last drink and prep method
  3. Collect timed BAC with concurrent glucose when indicated
  4. Interpret result with respiratory and neurologic trend
  5. Escalate per facility protocol when poisoning signs appear

Critical teach-back questions

  • “Can you tell me why we are checking your blood alcohol level today?”
  • “What symptoms — trouble breathing, vomiting, or inability to stay awake — should you report immediately?”
  • “Can you tell me about when you last had alcohol to drink?”

Care coordination: prescriber, emergency/rapid response team, laboratory/toxicology, social work, and addiction services when appropriate per protocol.

Blood Alcohol Level Quick Clinical Checklist

  • Did I prioritize ABCs before waiting for all lab results?
  • Did I document last drink and specimen timing clearly?
  • Did I note skin prep method when interpreting BAC?
  • Am I avoiding legal-threshold-only thinking in medical decisions?
  • Who must be notified now if breathing slows or the patient cannot be aroused?

Why Blood Alcohol Level is Ordered

Blood alcohol level is ordered when clinicians need to confirm ethanol exposure and assess how intoxication may contribute to neurologic or behavioral changes.

Clinical Indication What the Test Answers Nursing Rationale
Suspected acute alcohol intoxication Do history and exam suggest ethanol-related CNS depression? standard clinical references lists slurred speech, poor balance, slowed reflexes, and impaired judgment as intoxication cues — BAC supports but does not replace assessment.
Possible alcohol poisoning Are there signs of life-threatening overdose such as irregular breathing or inability to awaken? NIAAA alcohol overdose guidance highlights slow or irregular breathing, seizures, hypothermia, and unresponsiveness as emergency features requiring urgent care.
Altered mental status or trauma with unknown substance use Could ethanol contribute while hypoglycemia, head injury, or co-ingestion remain possible? clinical laboratory references note glucose, electrolytes, and other toxic alcohols may be ordered concurrently when ingestion of other substances is suspected.
Monitoring in alcohol use disorder treatment programs Is abstinence verification required per program protocol? BAC may be used in some recovery programs — nurses follow consent and institutional policy for testing frequency.
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Contraindications and Precautions

There is no absolute contraindication to BAC testing when results may change management. Stabilize airway and breathing before non-urgent repeat draws.

When BAC testing or results require immediate action
  • Slow, irregular, or shallow breathing with high BAC or suspected alcohol poisoning — escalate per facility protocol regardless of pending chemistry.
  • Inability to awaken, repeated vomiting with aspiration risk, or seizures — treat as alcohol overdose emergency per NIAAA guidance.
  • Suspected co-ingestion with sedatives or opioids, or head trauma with declining consciousness — do not attribute findings to ethanol alone.
Pre-analytic and interpretation factors
  • Alcohol-based skin antiseptic at venipuncture may falsely elevate ethanol — use non-alcohol prep when required and document method.
  • Delayed draw hours after last drink may show falling BAC while clinical toxicity persists — trend exam findings, not one value.
  • Chronic heavy drinkers may tolerate higher BAC with less obvious sedation — tolerance does not eliminate aspiration or respiratory risk.
Escalate If
  • Respiratory rate depression, snoring respirations, or hypoxemia with suspected intoxication.
  • BAC above about 0.31% may be especially dangerous with coma or trouble breathing — escalate urgently with clinical signs.
  • Persistent vomiting, hypothermia, or inability to protect airway after initial assessment.

Patient Preparation

no special preparation is usually required, but nurses verify timing of last drink, skin prep method, and concurrent glucose assessment when altered mental status is present.

Pre-test checks
✓Verify two identifiers, stat order, and specimen type per laboratory protocol.
✓Document estimated time and amount of last alcohol intake if known.
✓Use non-alcohol venipuncture antiseptic when policy requires to reduce contamination.
✓Assess airway, respiratory rate, gag reflex, and aspiration risk before and during draw.
✓Coordinate point-of-care glucose when altered consciousness is present.
✓Prepare approved preservative tube and prompt transport to toxicology/chemistry.
Medications to Review or Hold

Review sedatives, opioids, benzodiazepines, and other CNS depressants that compound respiratory depression. Never withhold ordered naloxone or glucose treatment while awaiting BAC. Document medicines that may explain atypical presentations.

Performance — nursing procedure guide

This page is a Tests & Diagnostics guide for Blood Alcohol Level. It emphasizes why the test is ordered, how to interpret results, when to escalate, and preparation factors that affect validity — not step-by-step performance technique (those live under Nursing Procedures when available).

How the test is performed

Step-by-step technique, supplies, infection prevention, and immediate post-procedure monitoring for this test are covered in:

Venipuncture

Use the Patient preparation, Results and interpretation, and Nursing responsibilities sections on this page for order verification, pre-analytic checks, result follow-up, critical-value escalation, and documentation.

Result follow-up at a glance

Nursing workflow on this page — from order to safe action on results:

1
Confirm indication & correct order
2
Coordinate performance per nursing procedure guide (see above)
3
Document pre-analytic preparation & timing
4
Review result with trend & clinical picture
5
Escalate critical or discordant findings
6
Document communication & patient teaching

Results and Interpretation

BAC may be reported as mg/dL or percent BAC. standard clinical references provides general effect bands (for example 0.06–0.15% with slurred speech and impaired coordination; higher ranges with serious intoxication and potential loss of consciousness). Always use the reporting laboratory reference interval and interpret with clinical findings.

Reference Range Disclaimer

Reference ranges, critical values, and protocols may vary by laboratory, institution, patient population, and testing method. Always follow local policy and the reporting laboratory’s reference range.

Result Range / Finding Clinical Meaning Nursing Action
Within reference interval Undetectable or very low ethanol per reporting laboratory reference interval No measurable ethanol by laboratory criteria — does not exclude recent drinking if draw was delayed or below detection limit Continue altered mental status workup if symptoms persist — hypoglycemia, trauma, and co-ingestion remain possible
Borderline / near reference limit Low positive near detection limit or mild elevation per laboratory interval May reflect recent intake — correlate with history, exam, and repeat testing if clinically indicated Notify prescriber when symptoms exceed expected mild impairment; document trend
High / above reference interval Above institutional reference interval or standard clinical references moderate-to-high BAC bands Significant ethanol exposure with increasing impairment risk — respiratory depression and aspiration become more likely at higher concentrations Continuous monitoring, airway protection, prescriber notification, and escalation per alcohol poisoning protocol
Low / below reference interval Not applicable for most clinical BAC interpretation Turnaround and screening rules vary by institution; follow local institutional policy for routine intoxication assessment Interpret in clinical context — focus on high or rising BAC with deterioration
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Critical Blood Alcohol Level Results and Escalation

Institution-specific critical BAC thresholds are not standardized in reviewed clinical references. Escalate when high BAC accompanies respiratory depression, unresponsiveness, repeated vomiting, seizures, or hypothermia per NIAAA alcohol overdose guidance.

Critical Finding Threshold / Value Immediate Action
Respiratory depression with elevated BAC Bradypnea, irregular breathing, or hypoxemia with BAC supporting significant intoxication Escalate urgently according to facility protocol; maintain airway and ordered oxygen support; notify prescriber and rapid response team
standard clinical references high-risk BAC range BAC over about 0.31% with loss of consciousness, trouble breathing, or coma risk effect description Immediate prescriber notification, continuous monitoring, and preparation for advanced airway support per protocol
Discordant trend — falling BAC with worsening clinical status BAC decreasing but persistent unresponsiveness, vomiting, or shallow breathing Continue escalation and evaluate outcomes with serial exams — co-ingestion, trauma, or metabolic causes may coexist
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Stop and Escalate

Stop routine workflow and escalate according to facility policy when the patient has respiratory depression, seizures, inability to awaken, hypothermia, or a high BAC with rapid clinical deterioration — even if a prior BAC was lower.

Factors Affecting Results

BAC reflects recent intake, metabolism, and pre-analytic handling. Nurses document factors that affect validity and interpretation.

False Positives
  • Alcohol-based skin antiseptic contamination at venipuncture site
  • Specimen mishandling or delayed processing allowing evaporation or fermentation per preanalytical literature
  • Recent mouthwash or liquid medication containing alcohol if timing not documented — clinical correlation required
False Negatives
  • Draw timed long after last drink — BAC may fall below detection while toxicity persists
  • Assuming normal BAC rules out co-ingestion with opioids, sedatives, or head injury
  • High tolerance in chronic use — significant impairment may occur at BAC that seems moderate on a chart alone
Interfering Factors
  • Weight, age, sex, and rate of drinking
  • Food intake before drinking — may delay peak BAC
  • Medicines and concurrent CNS depressants
Test Limitations

BAC confirms ethanol exposure and supports severity assessment but does not diagnose alcohol use disorder alone, identify co-ingested substances, or replace neurologic and respiratory monitoring. Legal impairment limits vary by jurisdiction and must not be used as sole bedside treatment thresholds. Reference ranges and detection windows vary by laboratory, method, and patient factors.

Nursing Responsibilities

Nursing responsibilities center on airway protection, accurate timing documentation, valid specimen collection, clinical correlation, and urgent escalation when alcohol poisoning signs appear.

Before the Test
✓Assess ABCs, aspiration risk, and last drink history before draw
✓Verify correct tube, non-alcohol prep when required, and stat transport plan
✓Coordinate point-of-care glucose and trauma survey when indicated
✓Explain purpose and obtain cooperation/safety measures for confused patients
During the Test
✓Collect venous sample with contamination control and immediate labeling
✓Maintain positioning and respiratory monitoring during procedure
✓Dispatch specimen promptly; notify laboratory of clinical urgency
After the Test
✓Review BAC with respiratory rate, mental status, and glucose trend
✓Escalate critical or discordant results with closed-loop communication
✓Continue serial neuro and respiratory assessments per protocol
✓Reinforce safety teaching and substance-use follow-up when appropriate

Documentation

Documentation must link BAC to timing of intake, collection details, clinical status, and escalation response.

Example Nursing Note

“BAC specimen collected 02:18 gray-top fluoride/oxalate tube; last drink estimated 60–90 min prior; skin prep chlorhexidine (no alcohol). Result 0.28% (280 mg/dL) at 02:42 — RR 8/min, GCS 11; prescriber notified via SBAR; aspiration precautions maintained; point-of-care glucose pending.”

Key Documentation Points
  • Draw time, last drink estimate, and skin prep product used
  • Respiratory rate, oxygen delivery, and neurologic status at collection
  • BAC value with laboratory reference range and units
  • Critical-value or prescriber notification with read-back if required
  • Aspiration precautions and repeat assessment plan
  • Patient teaching and social/support referral when ordered

Patient and Family Education

Use plain language: the test shows how much alcohol is in the blood right now and helps the team keep the patient safe.

✓Explain why breathing and wakefulness are monitored closely after heavy drinking
✓Teach that vomiting while semi-conscious is dangerous — call for help immediately
✓Review that results depend on when they last drank and how their body processes alcohol
✓Clarify legal driving limits differ from medical emergency thresholds
✓Discuss follow-up resources for alcohol use when appropriate and per policy
✓Encourage reporting worsening sleepiness, breathing difficulty, or chest pain
📚

Blood Alcohol Level NCLEX practice questions

Practice NCLEX-style clinical judgment focused on Blood Alcohol Level safety and nursing judgment. Use the case tabs (orders, results, assessment, nursing notes), then answer eight Next Gen–style items (including an ordered workflow step) and evaluate outcomes with the answer key.

Select a tab to view orders, results, assessment, and nursing note details for this case.

  • Order: STAT blood alcohol level; point-of-care glucose; BMP; continuous monitoring
  • Indication: ED arrival after binge drinking; difficult to arouse with repeated vomiting
  • Timing: Last drink reportedly 60–90 minutes before triage; specimen drawn on arrival
  • Related orders: CBC, BMP, lactate, urine toxicology screen if ordered
Question 1 — Priority action

After reviewing the case tabs, what is the nurse’s priority action?

Question 2 — Recognize cues

Which findings from the case tabs should prompt clarification or escalation? Select all that apply

Question 3 — Trend interpretation

Which trends or cues should the nurse recognize as concerning in this case?

Trend snapshot
Respiratory rate 8/min with snoring respirations; SpO₂ 92% on room air

Select all that apply

Question 4 — Matrix judgment

Classify each finding for this patient:

Finding Expected — document and continue monitoring Requires follow-up — notify team / repeat test Urgent — immediate escalation
BAC 0.28% with RR 8/min and GCS 11
Isopropyl alcohol skin prep noted before venipuncture
Gray-top specimen labeled and sent stat with draw time charted
Pending glucose while patient remains difficult to arouse

On a small screen, swipe or scroll sideways to see the full table.

Question 5 — Clinical judgment

A colleague says the patient is safe to watch because 0.08% is the usual legal limit and this result will fall soon. What is the best response?

Question 6 — Documentation (cloze)

Complete the priority documentation for this BAC case:

The highest-priority documentation action is .

Question 7 — Workflow (ordered response)

For an ED patient with BAC 0.28% and RR 8/min, rank the nurse’s workflow actions (1 = first).

  1. Check point-of-care glucose and support concurrent altered-mental-status workup per protocol
  2. Protect airway and breathing immediately; notify prescriber/rapid response with RR 8 and BAC context
  3. Document last-drink timing, collection time, and prep details (isopropyl noted) with closed-loop notification
  4. Reassess the patient, verify the order and identity, and prepare for prescriber follow-up
Question 8 — Evaluate outcomes

After supportive care, which finding best indicates safe outcome evaluation is still required?

Answer key & rationale

Next step Timed NCLEX Next Gen–style scenarios on NurseOnShift

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

What does a blood alcohol level test measure?

it measures ethanol in blood, most often as BAC, and can detect alcohol for up to about 12 hours after drinking depending on timing and individual factors.

Is there one universal critical BAC for all patients?

Turnaround and screening rules vary by institution; follow local institutional policy. Escalate based on respiratory depression, unresponsiveness, vomiting, seizures, and hypothermia per NIAAA alcohol overdose guidance.

Why does venipuncture skin prep matter for BAC?

Alcohol-based antiseptics may contaminate the sample and falsely elevate results. Follow laboratory protocol, use non-alcohol prep when required, and document the product used.

Can legal driving limits be used as bedside treatment thresholds?

No. legal BAC limits vary by jurisdiction and driver class. Medical decisions require respiratory status, mental status, and poisoning signs — not legal limits alone.

What if BAC is high but glucose is still pending?

Treat airway and breathing immediately and continue full altered mental status workup including glucose per protocol — do not delay escalation for pending BMP components.

Why repeat neurologic assessment after the first BAC?

Clinical status may worsen or improve as ethanol is metabolized; co-ingestion and trauma may coexist. Trending exam findings is essential to evaluate outcomes safely.

What nursing findings suggest alcohol poisoning escalation?

NIAAA lists slow or irregular breathing, inability to awaken, seizures, hypothermia, and severe vomiting. Escalate according to facility policy when these appear.

References

References
  1. MedlinePlus. Blood Alcohol Level. U.S. National Library of Medicine.
    https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/blood-alcohol-level/
  2. Association for Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine. Ethanol. Lab Tests Online UK.
    https://labtestsonline.org.uk/tests/ethanol-alcohol
  3. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Understanding the Dangers of Alcohol Overdose. NIH.
    https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/understanding-dangers-of-alcohol-overdose
  4. Mayo Clinic Laboratories. Alcohol — Ethanol. Test Catalog Drug Book.
    https://www.mayocliniclabs.com/test-catalog/drug-book/specific-drug-groups/alcohol
  5. Labcorp. Ethanol, Whole Blood. Test Menu.
    https://www.labcorp.com/tests/017996/ethanol-whole-blood
  6. Ialongo C. Blood alcohol concentration in the clinical laboratory: a narrative review of the preanalytical phase. Biochem Med (Zagreb). 2024.
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10564119/
  7. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Alcohol’s Effects on Health. NIH.
    https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health
  8. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Alcohol Use and Your Health. CDC.
    https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/about-alcohol-use/index.html

Related Topics

Alcohol Use Disorder

Long-term use context for withdrawal risk and follow-up after acute intoxication care

Condition

Arterial Blood Gas

Ventilation and acid-base detail when respiratory depression is present

Test / Diagnostic

Naloxone

Consider co-ingestion with opioids when altered status exceeds expected ethanol effect

Medication

Thiamine

Wernicke risk in chronic alcohol use — often considered in prolonged altered status per protocol

Medication

Liver Function Tests

Hepatic injury context when chronic alcohol use or binge-related injury is suspected

Test / Diagnostic

Alcohol Intolerance

Differential when adverse reactions do not match expected BAC-related findings

Condition

Editorial Standards & Medical Review

About the author: Sid A. Abdala Balal, RN, writes evidence-based nursing education focused on diagnostic safety, clinical interpretation, and bedside nursing judgment.

Medical review: This guide is reviewed by Dr. Adam Sayedi, MD, for clinical accuracy, diagnostic safety, and alignment with current standards for Blood Alcohol Level.

Policies: Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy · Correction Policy

Evidence-based nursing education and clinical resources

Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reference ranges, critical values, and protocols may vary by laboratory, institution, patient population, and testing method. Always follow local policy and the reporting laboratory’s reference range. Content written by a Registered Nurse and medically reviewed by Dr. Adam Sayedi, MD. Last reviewed: June 20, 2026.