Ethyl Glucuronide, Umbilical Cord Tissue, Qualitative
Also known as: ETG QQQ CD
Use
This test is designed to detect and document fetal exposure to ethanol during approximately the last trimester of a full-term pregnancy. It targets ethyl glucuronide, a common ethanol metabolite, in umbilical cord tissue. This testing is crucial for assessing potential alcohol exposure risks to the fetus, even though it does not measure the pattern or frequency of alcohol consumption by the mother.
Special Instructions
Caution must be used when collecting the specimen to ensure no ethanol-containing personal care products (e.g., hand sanitizers, wipes, mouthwash) are used directly on the specimen or nearby during collection. The umbilical cord should be at least 8 inches long, and care must be taken to transport it in the correct collection kit to avoid contamination.
Limitations
This test does not determine the pattern or frequency of alcohol use by the mother. A negative result cannot exclude the possibility of alcohol use during pregnancy. The detection is dependent on the extent of maternal use and specific characteristics of ethanol deposition in the umbilical cord tissue. Detection does not imply fetal impairment or predict outcomes for the infant.
New York Approved
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry
Biomarkers
Result Turnaround Time
1-4 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Tissue (Fresh)
Volume
Not provided
Minimum Volume
6 inches
Container
Routine urine collection cup or Security Kit for Meconium/Umbilical Drug Detection
Collection Instructions
Drain and discard any blood. Rinse the exterior of the cord segment with normal saline or water, pat the cord dry and transport.
Patient Preparation
Ensure no ethanol-containing personal care products are used on or near the specimen.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerated.
Causes for Rejection
Cords soaking in blood or other fluid, formalin fixed tissue, decomposed tissue.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 1 week |
| Refrigerated | 3 weeks |
| Frozen | 1 year |