Liver

CDT — The Alcohol Truthteller

Let's be straight. CDT is the marker that tells the truth about alcohol. Unlike other liver markers that can be nudged around by medications, liver disease, or last night's fatty dinner, CDT is refreshingly specific. Drink heavily (four to six units a day) for a few weeks and CDT climbs. Keep drinking and it stays up. It's not judging -- it's just measuring. And that objectivity is exactly what makes it so useful.

Why Test CDT?

CDT is commonly tested for employment requirements, official documentation (like Swedish Transport Authority assessments), and personal health tracking. It gives you an honest snapshot of recent drinking patterns that can't be gamed with a few days of abstinence. Pair it with GGT and you get the most complete picture of how alcohol is affecting your liver.

What Do High CDT Levels Mean?

Elevated CDT means you've been drinking heavily over the past weeks to months. Simple as that. The higher the CDT, the heavier and more sustained the pattern. Occasional binge drinking can also raise it, depending on frequency and amount. The good news? CDT typically drops within a few weeks of cutting back.

What Do Low CDT Levels Mean?

Low or normal CDT means you haven't been overdoing it on the alcohol front recently. That's the result you want to see.

Symptoms to Watch For

  • No direct symptoms from CDT itself
  • Heavy drinking may cause fatigue
  • Digestive problems
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Mood changes
  • Liver-related symptoms like abdominal discomfort

Who Should Get Tested?

  • Anyone who needs to document alcohol habits for work
  • People needing official certification (e.g. transport authority assessments)
  • Anyone keeping honest tabs on their own drinking
  • Those in alcohol treatment or recovery programmes
  • Anyone who wants an objective alcohol biomarker

How to Prepare for Your Test

Skip alcohol the night before. Bring valid ID to your appointment.

Order Your Blood Test

Test your CDT levels with an accredited Swedish laboratory. Results within days, reviewed by Wellth.

CDT (Carbohydrate-Deficient Transferrin) →

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for CDT to normalise?
Usually two to four weeks after you significantly cut back or stop drinking. CDT responds relatively quickly, which is encouraging.
Can anything other than alcohol raise CDT?
CDT is remarkably specific to alcohol. Unlike GGT, it's not significantly affected by medications, liver diseases, or other substances. That's what makes it the gold standard.
What is the difference between CDT and GGT?
GGT is a liver enzyme that rises with liver damage from many causes, alcohol included. CDT is specific to alcohol consumption. Use them together and you get the sharpest picture of alcohol-related health impact.
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Reviewed by

Wellth Team

Wellth

Our content is written and reviewed by Wellth, and fact-checked against peer-reviewed research and current Swedish clinical guidelines.

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Medical Disclaimer

The information on this page is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Wellth provides health information and testing services but is not a substitute for clinical care. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider if you have questions about a medical condition. If you are experiencing severe or urgent symptoms, contact your doctor or call 1177 Vårdguiden. Blood test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare professional in the context of your complete medical history.