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HelpTest Code Alc Scr w Ethyl Gly Volatile Alcohol Screen with Ethylene Glycol
Useful For
Detection and quantitation of acetone, methanol, isopropanol, ethanol and ethylene glycol in serum. See “Volatile Alcohol Screen” and “Ethylene Glycol” for individual test information.
Patient Preparation
Use betadine to cleanse arm. Do not use alcohol.
Special Collection Instructions
Avoid exposing specimen to atmosphere
Collection Method
Venous collection
Minimum Volume
3 mL
Container
Red / Additive Free
Preferred Specimen
5 mL Red Top
Acceptable Specimens
| Test | Serum | Plasma |
|---|---|---|
| Volatiles screen | Red Top Gold Top |
|
| Ethylene Glycol | Red Top | Grey Top |
Reference or Target Ranges
Cutoff: 20 mg/dL
Reportable Units
mg/dL
Critical Value
| Acetone | >100 mg/dL |
| Methanol | >20 mg/dL |
| Isopropanol | >50 mg/dL |
| Ethanol | >300 mg/dL |
| Ethylene glycol | >20 mg/dL |
Reasons for Rejection
| Hemolysis Threshold | Volatiles Screen: OK Ethylene Glycol: Reject |
| Icterus Threshold | Volatiles Screen: OK Ethylene Glycol: Reject |
| Lipemia Threshold | Volatiles Screen: OK Ethylene Glycol: Reject |
| Other | QNS, contaminated, improperly labeled, improper specimen type |
Specimen Stability
| Ambient | 24 hours |
| Refrigerated (4°C to 8°C) | 14 days |
| Frozen(-40°C to 0°C) | 28 days |
Performance Information
| Days and Time Performed | Monday - Sunday 7:30AM - 2:00PM. Specimen must be received no later than 2:00PM for same day analysis. |
| Expected Turn Around Time | 5 hours on receipt in lab |
| Stat Availability | No |
| Weekends and Holidays | 7:30AM - 2:00PM. Specimen must be received no later than 2:00PM for same day analysis. |
| Performing Bench | Toxicology |
| Methodology/Method Description | Headspace Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionization Detector – Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionization Detection (GC-FID) |
Special Handling
Do not expose to atmosphere
Additional Information/Important Notes
Patients <20 mg/dL reported as negative
Increased acetone levels may be detected during diabetic ketoacidosis or after isopropanol ingestion.
CPT Codes
G0480, 82693
Panel Components
- Acetone
- Methanol
- Ethanol
- Isopropanol
- Ethylene Glycol