Mednet Logo
HomeHepatologyQuestion

How do you approach a conversation with a patient with a markedly positive PETH (>200 ug/L) who is insistent that they do not consume any alcohol?

1 Answers
Mednet Member
Mednet Member
Hepatology · Northwestern Memorial Hospital

Falsely positive PETh results are very rare. A possible cause is transfusion of PRBC from a donor who was a drinker. False positives from lab error are possible, so repeating in a few days after patient denial is worth it. The endogenous production of small amounts of alcohol by gut microorganisms h...

Register or Sign In to see full answer