Propylene Glycol, Serum or Plasma
Also known as: PROPY GLY
Use
Propylene glycol is often used as a preservative, emollient, and a vehicle for oral and intravenous medications. Monitoring propylene glycol levels is important, especially in patients receiving medications with this compound as an excipient, because elevated levels can be toxic. Plasma levels of 80-200 mg/dL have been reported following ingestion of 41.4 grams every 12 hours.
Special Instructions
Test is not performed at ARUP; specimens need to be separated into different submissions for multiple test orders. Patient preparation may involve using either a plain red or lavender (EDTA) tube for collection. The stability of the specimen varies with storage conditions, being ambient or refrigerated for 28 days, and frozen for up to 3 months.
Limitations
The test does not have FDA clearance or approval, which may limit its use in specific regulatory environments. It requires that the specimen be separated from cells within 2 hours of collection. Also, separator tubes are not acceptable as they could interfere with test results. The limitation in using separator tubes necessitates specific handling instructions and specimen types.
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 12552-6
Result Turnaround Time
8-11 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
2 mL
Minimum Volume
0.7 mL
Container
ARUP Standard Transport Tube
Collection Instructions
Separate from cells within 2 hours of collection.
Causes for Rejection
Separator tubes.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 28 days |
| Refrigerated | 28 days |
| Frozen | 3 months |
