Limitations of CDT and GGT in Detecting Relapses in Patients Attending an Alcohol Problems Clinic

Abstract

Biochemical markers of alcohol consumption are useful for the detection and monitoring of problem drinking. Blood samples from 37 patients attending an alcohol treatment clinic were analysed for GGT and %CDT, and results were compared with self-reported periods of abstinence and alcohol consumption. Poor correlation was obtained between GGT and %CDT, and between these assays and self-reported alcohol use. The apparent sensitivity and specificity of GGT (57%, 63%) and %CDT (43%, 88%), were considerably lower than those reported by other workers.