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Test Code Alcohol Scr Volatile Alcohol Screen

Important Note

Specimen Processing: DO NOT SPIN. 

Useful For

Detection and quantitation of acetone, methanol, isopropanol, and ethanol in serum

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

Serum:

  • Gold Top SST
  • Red 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

Reasons for Rejection

Hemolysis Threshold N/A
Icterus Threshold N/A
Lipemia Threshold N/A
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.
If ethylene glycol is needed in addition, order “Alc Scr w Ethyl Gly”

CPT Codes

G0480

Panel Components

  • Acetone
  • Methanol
  • Ethanol
  • Isopropanol

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