Volatile Screen, Blood
Use
This test is useful for the detection and quantitation of acetone, methanol, isopropanol, and ethanol in whole blood. It allows for the quantification of the concentration of ethanol in blood that correlates with the degree of intoxication. Additionally, it serves to evaluate toxicity to these measured volatile substances. It is important to note that this test is not intended for use in employment-related testing.
Special Instructions
Use alternatives such as Betadine to cleanse arm before collecting any specimen for volatile testing. If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Therapeutics Test Request (T831) with the specimen. This test is not performed using chain of custody. For chain of custody testing, order VLTBX / Volatile Screen, Chain of Custody, Blood.
Limitations
This test does not detect ethylene glycol. Gross lipemia is a cause for rejection. Ethanol being a widely abused substance, the presence in the test indicates exposure leading to intoxication and CNS depression. Methanol and isopropanol are highly toxic, with ingestion potentially being fatal without immediate medical treatment. Acetone is generally elevated in metabolic conditions like diabetic ketoacidosis and may also appear as a metabolite of isopropanol.
New York Approved
Methodology
Other
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 41266-8
- 41266-8
- 9334-4
- 5640-8
- 9425-0
- 5667-1
- 77202-0
Result Turnaround Time
1-2 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Whole Blood
Volume
2 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Gray top (potassium oxalate/sodium fluoride) preferable; Lavender top (EDTA) or Green top (sodium heparin) acceptable
Collection Instructions
Do not use alcohol to clean arm; use alternatives such as Betadine.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerated (preferred) for 14 days, ambient for 24 hours, frozen for 28 days.
Causes for Rejection
Gross lipemia
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 24 hours |
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 28 days |