The purpose of this chapter is to familiarise the reader with the clinical utility of investigations in the diagnosis and management of alcohol use disorders. Many biochemical and haematological tests are widely available, and can improve significantly the quality of diagnosis and management. However, there is no single test that can detect alcohol use disorders with complete accuracy. Further, the validity of a test will vary depending on the clinical application. Such tests should never be relied on in isolation. Adequate clinical evaluation also needs to include a combination of interview and examination of the patient, and interview of other informants (Cantwell & Chick, 1994). In the research setting, self-report is generally a valid and reliable method of assessing alcohol consumption (Babor et al, 1987), particularly when it is elicited by a standardised method (e.g. Sobell et al, 1980) and the information is provided in confidence. In the clinical setting, however, the patient may report his or her version of past drinking to fit the situation, particularly if adverse consequences are likely to ensue (e.g. discharge from a treatment programme). Combinations of tests are likely to be more reliable than individual tests.

We are not concerned here with the full gamut of examinations available to investigate physical and psychiatric disorders associated with alcohol misuse. Rather, our review is intended to provide up-to-date information on biochemical and haematological markers of excessive drinking, and their application in clinical diagnosis and management.

Purpose of investigations

The choice and application of a test will depend on its purpose and the setting in which it will be used.