The Carbohydrate-Deficient Transferrin (CDT) test is a specialized blood test primarily used as a biomarker for chronic and heavy alcohol consumption. Transferrin is a protein responsible for transporting iron through the bloodstream, and its molecular structure changes when exposed to sustained, high levels of alcohol over a period of weeks.
Unlike standard liver function tests that can fluctuate due to various medical conditions or medications, CDT is highly specific to alcohol abuse. It is frequently utilized in addiction treatment, forensic evaluations, and clinical settings to monitor sobriety, assess relapse, and evaluate chronic alcohol-induced organ damage effectively.