Carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT, also known as desialotransferrin or asialotransferrin) is a laboratory test used to help detect heavy ethanol consumption.
HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography) can detect certain genetic variants and potential liver diseases affecting CDT.
However, it is less sensitive than phosphatidylethanol (PEth) in detecting current regular alcohol consumption.
Both these substances are detectable clinically through urine drug testing by commercial toxicology labs.
CDT levels are less useful for detecting alcohol use disorder in people with other liver diseases.