Carbohydrate deficient transferrin

Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin (CDT) is a biomarker used primarily to detect heavy alcohol consumption. It is a variant of the protein transferrin, which is responsible for the transport of iron in the body. The term "carbohydrate deficient" refers to the lower than normal amount of carbohydrate on the transferrin molecule.

Overview[edit | edit source]

Transferrin is a glycoprotein produced in the liver that binds and transports iron in the blood. In normal conditions, each transferrin molecule carries two to three carbohydrate chains. However, in certain conditions such as chronic alcohol abuse, the number of carbohydrate chains attached to transferrin can decrease, leading to the production of Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin.

Use in Alcohol Detection[edit | edit source]

CDT is one of the most specific biomarkers for chronic heavy alcohol consumption. It is used in clinical settings to detect and monitor alcohol abuse, as well as in legal and occupational health contexts. The level of CDT in the blood increases with heavy alcohol consumption and decreases when alcohol consumption is reduced or stopped.

Measurement[edit | edit source]

The measurement of CDT levels in the blood is done through a blood test. The test is highly specific but less sensitive, meaning it is unlikely to give a false positive result but may miss some cases of heavy drinking. The CDT test is often used in combination with other tests, such as the gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) test, to improve detection rates.

Limitations[edit | edit source]

While CDT is a useful marker for heavy alcohol consumption, it has some limitations. It may not detect light or moderate drinking, and levels can be influenced by other factors such as liver disease, genetic variations, and certain medications. Therefore, a positive CDT test should be interpreted in the context of other clinical and laboratory findings.