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Test ID ETGL Ethylene Glycol, Serum

Useful For

Confirming and monitoring ethylene glycol toxicity

Method Name

Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionization Detection (GC-FID)

Reporting Name

Ethylene Glycol, S

Specimen Type

Serum Red

Container/Tube: Red top

Specimen Volume: 2 mL

Specimen Minimum Volume

0.3 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Serum Red Refrigerated (preferred) 14 days
  Ambient  14 days
  Frozen  14 days

Clinical Information

Ethylene glycol, present in antifreeze products, may be ingested accidentally or for the purpose of inebriation or suicide. Ethylene glycol itself is relatively nontoxic, and its initial central nervous system (CNS) effects resemble those of ethanol. However, metabolism of ethylene glycol by alcohol dehydrogenase results in the formation of a number of acid metabolites, including oxalic acid and glycolic acid. These acid metabolites are responsible for much of the toxicity of ethylene glycol.

 

Three stages of ethylene glycol overdose occur. Within the first few hours after ingestion, there is transient excitation followed by CNS depression. After a delay of 4 to 12 hours, severe metabolic acidosis develops from accumulation of acid metabolites. Finally, delayed renal insufficiency follows deposition of oxalate in renal tubules.

 

Ethylene glycol toxicity is treated with 4-methylpyrazole (4-MP; fomepizole) or ethanol to saturate the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase and prevent conversion of ethylene glycol to its toxic metabolites.

Reference Values

Toxic concentration: ≥20 mg/dL

Cautions

Propionic acid produced in the rare inborn error of metabolism methylmalonic acidemia may be confused with ethylene glycol in the gas chromatographic assay.

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Sunday; Varies

Report Available

1 day

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Medical Laboratories in Rochester

Test Classification

This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. This test has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

CPT Code Information

80320

G0480 (if appropriate)

NY State Approved

Yes