Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin (CDT)
The most reliable chronic alcohol abuse marker.
About CDT
Excessive chronic alcohol consumption is a public health problem. Its diagnosis and monitoring will improve clinical outcome, reduce accidents and costs related to alcohol. Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin (CDT) is the IFCC recommended biomarker for chronic alcohol abuse. CAPI 3 CDT and MINICAP CDT are designed to quantify CDT by capillary electrophoresis on patient serum samples. During analysis, serum transferrin isoforms are separated into five major fractions according to their sialylation level:
- Asialotransferrin (non-sialylated)
- Disialotransferrin
- Trisialotransferrin
- Tetrasialotransferrin
- Pentasialotranferrin
CDTIFCC percent value is automatically displayed based on the calibration curve of disialotransferrin.
If CDTIFCC is not implemented, a classic CDT percent value is automatically calculated using the low-sialylated isoforms, i.e., disialotransferrin associated with asialotransferrin (if present).
The interpretation is simple. CDTIFCC greater than 2% are abnormal and indicative of chronic alcohol abuse whereas with classic CDT, results over 1.6%. are abnormal and indicative of chronic alcohol abuse.
Key benefits
Simple, secured and accurate CDT measurement
Normal clinical result : CDTIFCC ≤ 1.7%
Forensic positive result: CDTIFCC > 2%
Reduced hands-on time
Ready to use reagents, no sample pre-treatment and no need for additional total transferrin measurement.
Automatic measurement with visualization of all transferrin isoforms
Potential analytical and genetical interferences (variants, CDG) and curve abnormalities (such as in cirrhotic pattern) can thus be detected and prevent false result reporting.
Scalable solution to fit all lab’s configuration
CDT is available on MINICAP and CAPILLARYS family offering multiple configurations for streamlined workflow.
Main characteristics
- CAPI 3 CDT – MINICAP CDT assays are based on the principle of capillary electrophoresis in free solution. Transferrin isoforms are separated in silica capillaries by their electrophoretic mobility and the electroosmotic flow at high voltage in an alkaline buffer. Transferrin isoforms are directly detected during migration by UV absorbance.
- All analysis steps are performed automatically. The sample dilution is done using a specific diluent allowing iron saturation.
Serum sample is needed to perform CDT test. In the context of forensic use, the serum sample unlike hair and urine, can ensure the integrity, the reliability of the analysis and avoid possible fraud.
Throughput (tests/hour)*
CDT
CAPILLARYS 3 OCTA 49
CAPILLARYS 3 TERA 73
CAPILLARYS 3 TERA MC3 179
MINICAP FLEX-PIERCING 10
* Using Software version 9.30
- Full traceability and positive ID for samples and reagents
- Rapid validation through color-coded profiles using the mosaic screen
- CAPI 3 CDT – P/N: 2509
- MINICAP CDT – P/N: 2208
Featured instruments for CDT
See all instrumentsCAPILLARYS 3 OCTA
Evolution makes the difference.
CAPILLARYS 3 TERA MC
Capillary Electrophoresis solution to meet your high capacity needs.
MINICAP FLEX-PIERCING
The compact and affordable automation of Capillary Electrophoresis.
Related resources
See all resourcesStandardisation of the CDT measurement on CAPILLARYS 3 TERA
IFCC Standardisation of the Sebia CDT measurement on CAPILLARYS 3 TERA.
Interview with M. Jean Deenmamode, CDT IFCC Working Group Chair
Interview between Sebia and M. Jean Deenmamode, CDT IFCC Working Group Chair
Apr. 11, 2022 Jul. 04, 2025
IFCC Euromedlab 2021
Sebia booth: #121
Sebia Workshop: EduW22
The importance of CDT-IFCC, marker of chronic alcohol excessive consumption
Educational Webinar with M. Jean Deenmamode, IFCC Working Group Chair
Jun. 27, 2022 Jun. 29, 2022
IFCC Worldlab 2022
Sebia booth: #72
Sebia Workshop: EduW25
Discover the main applications related to the CDT marker
CDT is a sensitive and specific marker of chronic alcohol abuse, used in several contexts and notably including forensic settings, industries, clinical applications.
May. 22, 2023 May. 24, 2023
IFCC Euromedlab /WorldLab 2023
Sebia booth: #21
Sebia Workshop: EduW15
Road-traffic accidents: CDT, a reliable marker for chronic alcohol abuse testing
Educational Webinar with Dr Nadia Maria Porpiglia
May. 19, 2025 May. 21, 2025
IFCC Euromedlab 2025
Sebia booth: #108
Sebia Workshop: EduW15
CAPILLARYS 3 TERA MC testimonial
Watch the video to hear about the experience from one of our CAPILLARYS 3 TERA MC evolution customer.
Scientific publications
See all publicationsInternational standardization of CDT measurement
IFCC CDT-Working Group standardized the CDT measurement.
Carbohydrate-deficient transferring testing: a truly traceable and specific biomarker for chronic alcohol misuse
Article from Jean Deenmamode, IFCC CDT working group chair in CLI magazine.
Learn more about our unique technologies
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Please contact your local Sebia representative. Information intended for healthcare professionals.
Carefully read the instructions in the reagent package inserts and instrument manuals.