What is the purpose of Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin (CDT)?

The purpose of Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin (CDT) is primarily to detect moderate drinking over time. CDT is a specific biomarker that can indicate a prolonged pattern of alcohol consumption, distinguishing it from other forms of consumption that may not be as consistently detectable. This biomarker is particularly effective for monitoring situations such as abstinence and relapses in recovering alcoholics or those in treatment for alcohol use disorders.

Unlike other methods that may reflect acute consumption, CDT levels can remain elevated for weeks following sustained alcohol use. This allows healthcare providers to monitor changes in an individual's drinking habits and to assess treatment efficacy over a longer period. The elevated levels of CDT arise from the effects of alcohol on liver function, making it a valuable tool in clinical settings for identifying those who engage in habitual or excessive drinking.

The other options do not relate directly to the function of CDT. Evaluating psychological resilience and assessing cognitive behavioral performance involve different psychological and cognitive assessments that do not utilize biological markers. Additionally, screening for potential drug overdoses typically relies on different toxicology tests rather than specific markers like CDT used for alcohol consumption.