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Liver

CDT (Carbohydrate-Deficient Transferrin)

Liver

CDT (Carbohydrate-Deficient Transferrin)

Carbohydrate-deficient transferrin. Marker for chronic alcohol consumption over 2-3 weeks.

225 SEK

VAT-exempt medical service

  • Results in 5 working days
  • 116 sampling locations
  • No doctor's referral needed
  • Sample: Blood (venous)
Find a sampling location →

What does this test measure?

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.

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 a high value can 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 a low value can 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.

Read more about this marker →

Associated symptoms

  • 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 consider this test

  • 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

Before your appointment

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

  • Bring photo ID to the sampling location.
  • You do not need a doctor's referral — your referral is issued when you order.
  • Tell the staff which test you have ordered if they ask.

How it works

  1. 1

    Order your test

    Choose your test and pay online. Your lab referral is created straight away.

  2. 2

    Give your sample

    Visit any of our partner sampling locations. No appointment needed at most of them.

  3. 3

    The lab analyses it

    Your sample is analysed at an accredited Swedish laboratory.

  4. 4

    Get your results

    Your values appear in your account with reference ranges and an explanation of each marker.

Good to know

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.