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Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin Testing

All you need to know about testing Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin levels with a laboratory test

  • What is the Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin test for?
  • What if Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin results are high?
  • What if Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin results are low?
  • Does the Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin test replace medical advice?
  • How soon can I expect results from the Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin test?
  • Can a Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin test detect occasional or moderate drinking?
  • What should I do if my Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin test results are negative?
  • What should I do if my Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin test results are positive?
  • What do the results of a Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin test mean?
  • How is the Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin test carried out?
  • How does the Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin test work?
  • What symptoms can a Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin test help identify?
  • Which conditions can Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin test help diagnose?
  • What is a Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin test?

What Is The Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin Test For?

The formation of carbohydrate deficient transferrin (CDT) is directly proportional to your alcohol intake, with rare other causes. Levels of CDT, in conjunction with other tests can be used to monitor your alcohol consumption. Note that it is not an indicator of any alcohol-related liver damage.

If your liver function tests are abnormal, then CDT may be useful to assess if alcohol is the cause or if there are other/additional factors that cause liver impairment.

How To Test Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin

By buying a laboratory test kit with professional nurse or clinic collection, you can accurately measure Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin for total reassurance.

Professional analysis in an accredited laboratory ensures rapid result delivery.

Tests which include a Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin test:

What if Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin Results Are High?

High levels of CDT may result from excessive alcohol consumption.

CDT is sometimes considered alongside national guidelines on recommended weekly limits for alcohol consumption.

What if Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin Results Are Low?

Low CDT levels may suggest that alcohol consumption is not excessive. There are also rarer causes of low CDT levels, including use of immunosuppressive drugs.

When considered on its own, a low CDT result is unlikely to be treated as a finding that calls for further steps.

Who Should Take This Test?

Measure your Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin levels and with a nurse or clinic test kit

You get the convenient testing with the reassurance of professional clinical analysis. Your results are delivered quickly & securely online.

This Test is advised if you:

  • want the convenience of home testing without waiting for a GP appointment;
  • need a high quality, clinically accredited test done in a professional clinical laboratory.

Does the Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin test replace medical advice?

No, the CDT test should not replace medical advice. It is there to provide insight into possible alcohol misuse.

How soon can I expect results from the Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin test?

Once your sample has reached the lab, your results are generated and communicated to you within a few days.

Can a Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin test detect occasional or moderate drinking?

No, the CDT test typically does not detect moderate or occasional drinking. It is most reliable in identifying heavy, chronic alcohol consumption.

What should I do if my Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin test results are negative?

A negative result typically means your CDT levels are within the normal range. However, this does not necessarily rule out alcohol use or abuse. If you have concerns about your alcohol consumption, it is recommended to discuss these with a healthcare provider.

What should I do if my Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin test results are positive?

If your CDT levels are high, it may indicate heavy drinking. It's recommended to seek advice from a healthcare provider for confirmation and advice on next steps.

What do the results of a Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin test mean?

Typically, a higher than average CDT level indicates chronic heavy drinking. Nonetheless, results should always be analysed in conjunction with clinical findings and patient history as other factors can influence CDT levels.

How is the Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin test carried out?

The CDT test can be done using a simple finger-prick blood sample, which you can collect yourself using the kit provided. This sample is then returned to a UKAS accredited lab for analysis.

How does the Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin test work?

The CDT test measures the percentage of transferrin that is carbohydrate-deficient in your blood. High levels of CDT are typically found in people who consume high quantities of alcohol over an extended period, thus making it a reliable biomarker for chronic heavy drinking.

What symptoms can a Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin test help identify?

The CDT test is not meant to identify physical symptoms. Rather, it provides a means of identifying biochemical evidence of excessive alcohol use over the last two to three weeks.

Which conditions can Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin test help diagnose?

Primarily, CDT test is used to indicate chronic alcohol abuse. It's not for diagnosing specific alcohol-related diseases, but it can give a stronger indication of excessive alcohol consumption than other tests.

What is a Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin test?

The Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin (CDT) test is a diagnostic tool primarily used in detecting excessive alcohol consumption. The test measures the levels of carbohydrate-deficient transferrin, which tend to be higher amongst those who consume large amounts of alcohol over an extended period. This test is commonly used for routine occupational health screening or by individuals who wish to monitor their alcohol intake.

Medical review

Doctors, Scientists & Experts Delivering Private Blood Testing Online

Dr. Shahzaib Ahmad MBBS, BSc, MRCP, FRCA, FFICM

Clinical Supervisor - Vitall|GMC 7495062|Profile

Dr Shahzaib Ahmad is a Consultant in Intensive Care Medicine with subspecialty experience in cardiac critical care and neurocritical care. He has extensive experience managing complex acute and cardiovascular conditions in hospital intensive care settings. Dr Ahmad supports Vitall in reviewing health content for clinical accuracy and alignment with current medical practice.

Reviewed on 03/02/2026

Next review due 03/02/2027

Review focus: Blood biomarkers, laboratory testing methodology, and biochemical interpretation.

This content has been reviewed for medical and scientific accuracy but does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional.

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