Intermittent or “binge” drinking can increase CDT levels. The extent to which this occurs is dependent on the frequency of “binges” and the amount of alcohol consumed on each occasion. Someone drinking 200-300 g alcohol two days a week, but abstaining on the other days, could have a CDT level of 1.5-3%.

Can CDT test detect binge drinking?

The carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT) is an alcohol biomarker test. 1 It can be used to detect if someone is a binge drinker or a daily heavy drinker (four or more drinks a day). It can even be used to determine if an alcoholic has had a relapse.

How quickly do CDT levels rise?

According to a publication available from the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism CDT levels appear to elevate after consuming 60-80 grams of alcohol per day (approximately 4 to 6 440ml cans of fosters) for a period of 2 or 3 weeks and CDT levels will normalize with a mean half-life of 2 to 4 weeks ...