LP18218-5

Transferrin.carbohydrate deficient

Active

Description

Carbohydrate deficient transferrin detects chronic ethanol use (greater than 50 g/day for two weeks). Transferrin is a plasma protein that carries iron through the bloodstream to the bone marrow, where red blood cells are manufactured, as well as to the liver and spleen. Structurally, transferrin is a polypeptide with two N-linked polysaccharide chains. These polysaccharide chains are branched with sialic acid residues. Sialic acid is a monosaccharide carbohydrate. Various forms of transferrin exist, with differing levels of sialylation, with the most common form being tetrasialotransferrin, with four sialic acid chains. In people who consume significant quantities of alcohol (usually more than 4 or 5 alcoholic beverages a day for two weeks or more), the proportion of transferrin with zero, one, or two sialic acid chains is increased. These are referred to as carbohydrate-deficient transferrins, and are an important marker for alcohol abuse. Used with other tests, such as gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), carbohydrate-deficient transferrin can be a useful tool in identifying problem drinking, such as alcohol abuse or alcoholism. This particular test is not suitable for the evaluation of patients suspected of having congenital glycosylation disorders. Information from ARUP Laboratories and Wikipedia. 2007 10 18. Source: Regenstrief Institute

Basic Part Properties

Part Name

Transferrin.carbohydrate deficient

Part Display Name

Transferrin.carbohydrate deficient

Part Type

Component (Describes the core component or analyte measured)

Created On

2000-05-04

Construct for LOINC Short Name

CDT

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