Liver Health

Blood Testing for Alcohol Use Disorder

Blood testing for Alcohol Use Disorder matters because it reveals liver strain and red blood cell changes. Superpower offers GGT, AST/ALT, and MCV testing to detect physiologic impact. We provide in-clinic and at-home blood testing; home collection is currently available in selected states. See FAQs below for more information.

Book a blood Alcohol Use Disorder test

Cancel anytime

HSA/FSA eligible

Results in a week

Physician reviewed

Every result is checked

CLIA-certified labs

Federal standard for testing

HIPAA compliant

Your data is 100% secure

All biomarkers

Content

Main Heading
Sub Heading
Sub Sub Heading

What are Alcohol Use Disorder biomarkers

Alcohol Use Disorder biomarkers are measurable signals in blood that reveal how much and how recently the body has been exposed to alcohol, and how organs are responding. They give an objective view beyond self-report, helping confirm risky use, estimate recency and intensity, gauge liver strain, and track recovery. Some markers are direct fingerprints of alcohol itself, formed when alcohol attaches to fats in red blood cell membranes (phosphatidylethanol, PEth). Others are by-products of alcohol processing detectable for shorter windows (ethyl glucuronide, EtG; ethyl sulfate, EtS). A second group reflects the body’s response to sustained drinking, such as changes in a liver transport protein (carbohydrate-deficient transferrin, CDT), rises in liver enzymes (gamma-glutamyltransferase, GGT; aspartate aminotransferase, AST; alanine aminotransferase, ALT), and enlarged red blood cells (mean corpuscular volume, MCV). Together, these tests translate drinking behavior into biology, supporting diagnosis, assessing harm, tailoring treatment, and monitoring abstinence or relapse over time.

Why is blood testing for Alcohol Use Disorder important?

Check for alcohol-related liver stress and blood cell changes you can act on.
Spot early liver impact with GGT elevations after regular heavy drinking.
Clarify alcohol-related injury using AST to ALT pattern; ratio above two suggests alcohol.
Flag heavy-use effects on red cells; high MCV shows enlarged cells from alcohol.
Guide treatment intensity and nutrition; elevations prompt counseling, folate/B12 support, and imaging.
Track recovery and return to drinking; GGT falls in weeks, MCV over months.
Protect long-term liver health by identifying risks for fibrosis, cirrhosis, and complications early.
Best interpreted with PEth or CDT, plus your drinking history and symptoms.

What insights will I get?

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) blood testing provides a window into how chronic alcohol exposure affects your body’s core systems, including liver function, blood cell health, and overall metabolic stability. At Superpower, we focus on three key biomarkers: gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase (AST/ALT), and mean corpuscular volume (MCV). Together, these markers help reveal the impact of alcohol on your liver, blood, and broader physiological balance.

GGT is an enzyme found in liver cells and is often elevated when the liver is under stress from alcohol. AST and ALT are enzymes that help process amino acids; when liver cells are damaged, these enzymes leak into the bloodstream, signaling liver injury. MCV measures the average size of your red blood cells, which can increase with chronic alcohol use due to its effects on bone marrow and nutrient absorption.

When these biomarkers are within normal ranges, it suggests that your liver is processing toxins efficiently, your blood cells are healthy, and your metabolic systems are stable. Elevated GGT or AST/ALT may indicate liver stress or injury, while a high MCV can point to changes in blood cell production linked to alcohol’s effects on the body. Persistent abnormalities in these markers can signal ongoing physiological strain and reduced system resilience.

Interpretation of these results depends on several factors, including age, sex, underlying health conditions, medications, and even recent illness. Laboratory methods and reference ranges can also vary, so results are best understood in the context of your overall health profile.

Superpower also tests for

See more blood diseases

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Vitamin B12 deficiency impairs red blood cell production and nerve function, leading to anemia and neuropathy. Blood testing confirms status early. Superpower offers Hemoglobin, MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW, Vitamin B12, and Folate testing, in-clinic or at home. Home testing is available in New York and California.

Learn more

Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D testing clarifies your body’s calcium balance, bone strength, and immune regulation (25‑hydroxyvitamin D; serum calcium). At Superpower, we provide blood tests for testing Vitamin D and Calcium for Vitamin D Deficiency—in-clinic or at home. Home testing is available in New York and California.

Learn more

Thrombophilia

Thrombophilia testing clarifies clotting risk by assessing inflammation and coagulation balance. At Superpower, we test Homocysteine, CRP, Platelets, and NLR for Thrombophilia. Superpower provides both in-clinic and at-home blood testing. Home blood testing for Thrombophilia is available in the following states: New York, California.

Learn more

Thrombocytosis

Thrombocytosis—too many platelets—signals altered clotting and inflammatory activity that can reflect reactive illness or bone‑marrow disorders. At Superpower, we test Platelet Count, MPV (mean platelet volume), and CRP to profile risk. We offer in‑clinic and at‑home testing; home testing is available in New York and California.

Learn more

Thrombocytopenia

Thrombocytopenia requires timely blood testing to gauge clotting capacity and marrow function. Platelet Count quantifies circulating platelets; MPV (Mean Platelet Volume) reflects platelet size and production dynamics. At Superpower, we offer in-clinic and at-home testing. Home testing for Thrombocytopenia is currently available in New York and California.

Learn more

Testicular Cancer

Blood testing informs evaluation and monitoring of testicular cancer by tracking testicular function and systemic effects. At Superpower, we provide Estradiol and Testosterone testing relevant to testicular cancer care. We offer in-clinic and at-home blood testing; home testing is currently available in New York and California.

Learn more

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Blood testing clarifies inflammation and organ involvement in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, guiding diagnosis and activity monitoring. Superpower provides WBC, Platelets, Hemoglobin, ESR, and CRP testing—blood counts and acute-phase reactants—in-clinic or at home. Home testing for SLE is available in New York and California.

Learn more

Subclinical Hypothyroidism

Blood testing detects early thyroid axis slowdown before symptoms. In subclinical hypothyroidism, TSH ↑ with Free T4 Index N signals pituitary-thyroid feedback strain. At Superpower, we offer these assays with in-clinic and at-home options; home testing is available in New York and California.

Learn more

Frequently Asked Questions About

What is Alcohol Use Disorder blood testing?

It uses blood biomarkers to show how alcohol is affecting your liver and blood cells. Superpower tests GGT, AST/ALT, and MCV. GGT rises with alcohol-induced enzyme induction and cholestasis. AST and ALT reflect hepatocellular injury; the AST/ALT ratio helps identify an alcohol-related pattern. MCV measures red blood cell size and often increases with sustained heavy drinking due to marrow and folate effects. These markers screen for physiologic impact; they do not diagnose Alcohol Use Disorder on their own.

Why should I get Alcohol Use Disorder blood testing?

It detects silent physiologic stress from alcohol before symptoms appear. Elevated GGT and an AST/ALT pattern can signal alcohol-related liver injury; a raised MCV shows marrow effects of chronic use. Together, these markers help gauge severity, establish a baseline, and track recovery or relapse risk over time. Results inform overall system health and guide whether further liver evaluation is needed. They complement, but don’t replace, clinical assessment.

Can I get a blood test at home?

Yes. With Superpower, our team member can organise a lab-quality blood draw in your home. The same tests—GGT, AST/ALT, and MCV—are collected via standard venipuncture and processed by accredited laboratories. Results are delivered securely and can be trended over time to show how your physiology is changing.

How often should I test?

For general screening, yearly is reasonable. To monitor change, use test kinetics: AST/ALT shift over days to weeks, GGT over 2–3 weeks, and MCV over 1–3 months. Many people recheck at 4–12 weeks to confirm direction, then every 3–6 months for stability. The optimal interval depends on your baseline results and the pace of change you’re monitoring.

What can affect biomarker levels?

Many non-alcohol factors can raise or lower these markers. Fatty liver disease, viral hepatitis, bile duct disease, heart failure, and thyroid disease can alter enzymes. Medications (e.g., anticonvulsants, acetaminophen, statins, some antibiotics) and smoking can raise GGT. Vigorous exercise or muscle injury elevates AST. B12/folate deficiency, hypothyroidism, and recent transfusion affect MCV. Age, sex, obesity, and sample handling also influence results. Context matters.

Are there any preparations needed before the blood test for GGT, AST/ALT, MCV?

Fasting is usually not required. Avoid strenuous exercise for 24–48 hours to prevent transient AST rises. Alcohol intake in the prior 24–48 hours can acutely change GGT and AST/ALT; follow the specific instructions provided with your test. Stay hydrated and bring a list of current medicines and supplements so the lab can note potential interferences.

Can lifestyle changes affect my biomarker levels?

Yes. Changes in alcohol intake drive most shifts: AST/ALT can move within days to weeks, GGT typically normalizes over 2–4 weeks, and MCV often lags, improving over 1–3 months. Nutrition (B12/folate), body weight, smoking, and exercise patterns can also influence levels. Trends over time show the physiologic impact of these changes.

How do I interpret my results?

Look at the pattern and the trend, not a single value. Elevated GGT with AST greater than ALT, especially an AST/ALT ratio above 2, supports an alcohol-related injury pattern. Isolated GGT elevation is common but nonspecific. A high MCV suggests chronic heavy exposure or folate/B12 issues. Normal results do not rule out Alcohol Use Disorder. Combine these markers and follow their direction over time; discuss implications with your clinician.

How it works

Test your whole body

Get a comprehensive blood draw at one of our 3,000+ partner labs or from the comfort of your own home.

An Actionable Plan

Easy to understand results & a clear action plan with tailored recommendations on diet, lifestyle changes, supplements and pharmaceuticals.

A Connected Ecosystem

You can book additional diagnostics, buy curated supplements for 20% off & pharmaceuticals within your Superpower dashboard.

Superpower is changing thousands of lives

90.2k, Alo wellness club trainer

Superpower tests more than  100+ biomarkers & common symptoms

Re-balance hormones

Say goodbye to fatigue

“Turns out my chronic fatigue was from hormone imbalance. Not a single doctor could tell me that while Superpower caught it immediately. Now I’m taking action and supplements and have never felt better.”

Mariah Wilkinson

Increase free testosterone

‍Finally gain muscle

"For years I was gymming but not seeing results. My energy was low, recovery was slow, and no one could knew why. Superpower showed me my testosterone was out of range. With the right plan, I finally broke through”

James Bromley

Man in a white cap standing shirtless outdoors, looking to the side under a clear blue sky.

Manage aches

Manage inflammation response

"I didn’t realize fatigue and aches were signs of chronic inflammation.
Superpower caught the imbalance before it became more of a problem”

A person looking to the side with a focused expression against a plain background.

Amara Gupta

A person wearing a white tank top jogs on a paved road.

Reduce cortisol

Stress less and feel more energy

"I always thought my tiredness was just part of a busy life. Superpower showed me my cortisol was out of balance. With a few changes, I finally feel energized again."

Conway Simons

Improve gut microbiome

Debloat and  feel lighter

"I used to feel constantly bloated and sluggish after meals. No one connected it to my gut health. With the right plan, my digestion is smoother, and I finally feel light and comfortable again."