Ethylene Glycol, Serum
Use
Ethylene glycol toxicity can lead to severe metabolic acidosis and renal failure due to its acid metabolites. This test is utilized to confirm and monitor ethylene glycol toxicity, which often arises from ingestion of products like antifreeze or deicing solutions. Detecting ethylene glycol in the serum is critical for diagnosing poisoning incidents to guide appropriate treatment measures.
Special Instructions
Specimens collected in serum gel tubes are unacceptable due to analyte absorption on the gel potentially leading to falsely decreased concentrations.
Limitations
The test may show false results for ethylene glycol presence if propionic acid is present due to a rare error of metabolism known as methylmalonic acidemia, which can mimic ethylene glycol in the assay. The method's specificity may be affected, requiring careful interpretation of results in the context of potential interfering substances. Additionally, proper specimen collection and handling are crucial to avoid degradation leading to diagnostic inaccuracies.
New York Approved
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 5646-5
- 5646-5
Result Turnaround Time
2 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
2 mL
Minimum Volume
0.3 mL
Container
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge and aliquot serum into plastic vial within 2 hours of collection.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis, Gross lipemia, Gross icterus
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 14 days |
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 14 days |