[Considerations on the use of carbohydrate-deficient transferrin in officially recognized medial psychological examination centers].

Abstract

In recent years Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin has been introduced as a new marker to diagnose alcoholism. It has proved to have superior qualities compared to other markers like Gamma-Glutamyl-Transferase (GGT). With reference to current research the authors critically discuss the sensitivity and the specificity of CDT. The use of CDT when verifying a claim of abstinence is thought to be very low. In addition, CDT is of only limited use in the detection of above average alcohol consumption. Other questions regarding the performance of CDT require further scientific research. Therefore the authors argue that, at present, it is too early to use CDT in the context of medico-psychological examinations of drink drivers.