Ethylene Glycol, Serum or Plasma
Use
Ethylene glycol is a colorless, odorless, sweet tasting compound used commercially in antifreeze. It has been utilized in suicide attempts, as a substitute for ethanol and in accidental poisonings in both children and domestic pets. Poisoning can result in central nervous system depression, cardiopulmonary symptoms, and renal damage. Rapid treatment is essential to prevent damage, as the compound is lethal in amounts of 100 mL. Monitoring blood levels of ethylene glycol, along with observing hypocalcemia, elevated anion gap, metabolic acidosis, and osmolal gap elevation, is critical for diagnosis.
Special Instructions
This test is not intended for workplace testing and does not comply with state regulatory workplace testing programs. Blood should be collected via venipuncture and mixed immediately for adequate mixing, followed by centrifugation to separate plasma or serum from cells in less than two hours.
Limitations
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by LabCorp but has not been cleared or approved by the Food and Drug Administration. It is possible for toxicity to manifest without osmolal gap changes, and osmolal and anion gap increases can occur with very low levels of ethylene glycol.
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 5646-5
- 5646-5
Result Turnaround Time
2-4 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.2 mL
Container
Red-top tube, green-top (li-heparin) tube, gray-top (sodium fluoride) tube, plasma from lavender-top tube
Collection Instructions
Blood is to be collected by venipuncture and mixed immediately by gentle inversion at least six times to ensure adequate mixing. Separate plasma or serum from cells by centrifugation in less than two hours.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 8 days |
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 14 days |