Blood test for alcholism(alcoholism)

I am convince my husband is an alcholic, however, he just said that for a loan he took out he had to have a complete physical and blood test include tests for addiction - all which were negative.

He drinks about 5 rum drinks per day and that does not include the wine he has with dinner.   Wouldn't at the very least his liver enzymes be out of wack?   He is 56 years old and has had a long life of drinking........

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Difficult to say.  In advanced cases of liver disease, specifically cirrhosis, the liver enzymes may not be elevated.

I would obtain an abdominal ultrasound if there continues to be suspicion of liver disease.  If the ultrasound is abnormal, a liver biopsy would be the most definitive test.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin Pho, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com
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