Test ID VLTS Volatile Screen, Serum
Useful For
Detection and quantitation of acetone, methanol, isopropanol, and ethanol in serum
Quantification of the concentration of ethanol in serum correlates with degree of intoxication
Evaluation of toxicity to the measured volatile substances
Method Name
Headspace Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionization Detector (HSGC-FID)
Includes methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, and acetone.
Reporting Name
Volatile Scrn, SSpecimen Type
SerumEthylene glycol requires a separate request. See ETGL / Ethylene Glycol, Serum.
Submit only 1 of the following specimens:
Preferred:
Container/Tube: Serum gel
Specimen Volume: Full tube
Collection Instructions:
1. Arm must be cleansed with water only.
2. Avoid exposure of specimen to atmosphere.
3. Do not aliquot.
Acceptable:
Container/Tube: Red top
Specimen Volume: Full tube
Collection Instructions:
1. Arm must be cleansed with water only.
2. Avoid exposure of specimen to atmosphere.
3. Centrifuge specimen within 2 hours of draw and send serum aliquot to laboratory refrigerated.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
---|---|---|
Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 72 hours |
Frozen | 14 days | |
Ambient | 24 hours |
Clinical Information
Volatile substances in the blood include ethanol, methanol, isopropanol, and acetone:
-Ethanol is the single most important substance of abuse in the United States. It is the active agent in beer, wine, vodka, whiskey, rum, and other liquors.
-Methanol and isopropanol are highly toxic; toxicity results from ingestion (exogenous).
-Acetone is generally elevated in metabolic conditions such as diabetic ketoacidosis (endogenous). It also is a metabolite of isopropanol.
Ethanol acts on cerebral function as a depressant similar to general anesthetics. This depression causes most of the typical symptoms such as impaired thought, clouded judgment, and changed behavior. As the level of alcohol increases, the degree of impairment progressively increases.
On average, the serum or plasma concentration of the alcohols is 1.2-fold higher than blood concentration. For example, the serum or plasma would contain approximately 0.10 g/dL of ethanol in a blood specimen that contains 0.08 g/dL ethanol. Due to potential variations in the serum to whole blood ratio, serum should not be used in a medico-legal context. However, in the context of medical/clinical assessment, serum or plasma may be submitted for analysis.
Reference Values
METHANOL
Not detected (Positive results are quantitated.)
Toxic concentration: ≥10 mg/dL
ETHANOL
Not detected (Positive results are quantitated.)
Toxic concentration: ≥400 mg/dL
ISOPROPANOL
Not detected (Positive results are quantitated.)
Toxic concentration: ≥10 mg/dL
ACETONE
Not detected (Positive results are quantitated.)
Toxic concentration: ≥10 mg/dL
Cautions
No significant cautionary statements
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday; Varies
Report Available
Same day/1 dayPerforming Laboratory

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)