Other causes of failed PEth test for alcohol abuse?

Posted by gjones1956 @gjones1956, Nov 14, 2017

My daughter undergoes periodic peth testing for alchohol abuse. She fails regularly, although swears she drinks NOTHING. We have reason to believe she is telling the truth. Assuming she is indeed not drinking, is there a physical condition or ailment that might produce positive peth tests? She is 29, has enlarged lymph nodes, some kind of mysterious condition that gives her severe hives, etc. We are wondering if some type of autoinflammation or autoimmune condition might explain elevated levels. Our daughter is FINALLY discussing this with her regular doctor but if it is some unusual condition a specialist will be needed. The reason the peth test is required is due to a nasty custody dispute with lots of allegations of misconduct. I just want to know if there is ANYTHING other than alchohol consumption that can lead to positive test results. Any thoughts or knowledge of cases? Thanks for reading.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Mental Health Support Group.

Stand by... will contact you as soon as I can!

REPLY
@toolsd

Stand by... will contact you as soon as I can!

Jump to this post

Sent a private message.

REPLY

Check again, I just saw I typed my number wrong. It’s corrected now!

REPLY

If you need me, let me know

REPLY

would donated blood that comes from a heavy drinker come up on a Peth test administered while recipient is still hospitalized?

REPLY
@nr111

would donated blood that comes from a heavy drinker come up on a Peth test administered while recipient is still hospitalized?

Jump to this post

Hello @nr111, Welcome to Connect, an online community where patients and caregivers share their experiences, find support and exchange information with others. I found some information that I think may answer some of your questions.

"A positive PEth result means that the donor has consumed ethanol sometime during the last 2-4 weeks (approximately). Is testing PEth in dried blood spot and ..." --- PEth FAQ’s for Research Only Specimens: PEth FAQ’s for Research Only Specimens

@toolsd has posted in the following discussion and may have some suggestions or answers for your question -- Other causes of failed PEth test for alcohol abuse?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/can-failed-peth-test-for-alchohol-abuse-be-caused-by-physical-conditio/

Did you recently have a PETH test in the hospital?

REPLY

PEth false positives do exist. I went to great lengths to prove this and finally had a blood spot test that had a result of >150 and a direct blood draw that was negative. These tests were done 7 mins apart. I’ve been battling the FAA who is in denial of the facts and refuse to admit when wrong. I would advise avoiding the “spot” test.

REPLY
@nr111

would donated blood that comes from a heavy drinker come up on a Peth test administered while recipient is still hospitalized?

Jump to this post

Would likely show a positive, yes.

But... it’s prone to not studied or understood false positives AND false negatives. Therefore, it’s really junk science, generally only used by people who simply don’t care or those who have something to gain by you providing a positive, such as rehab clinics, PHBs, airlines, etc.

REPLY
@johnbishop

Hello @nr111, Welcome to Connect, an online community where patients and caregivers share their experiences, find support and exchange information with others. I found some information that I think may answer some of your questions.

"A positive PEth result means that the donor has consumed ethanol sometime during the last 2-4 weeks (approximately). Is testing PEth in dried blood spot and ..." --- PEth FAQ’s for Research Only Specimens: PEth FAQ’s for Research Only Specimens

@toolsd has posted in the following discussion and may have some suggestions or answers for your question -- Other causes of failed PEth test for alcohol abuse?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/can-failed-peth-test-for-alchohol-abuse-be-caused-by-physical-conditio/

Did you recently have a PETH test in the hospital?

Jump to this post

yes,after several blood and platelet transfusions

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.