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Test Code LAB1419 Volatile Screen, Serum

Additional Codes

Mayo Test ID
VLTS

 

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

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

Testing Algorithm

This test includes analysis for methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, and acetone.

Method Name

Headspace Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detector (HSGC-FID)

Reporting Name

Volatile Scrn, S

Specimen Type

Serum


Additional Testing Requirements


If measurement of ethylene glycol is also needed, order ETGL / Ethylene Glycol, Serum in addition to this test.



Specimen Required


Collection Container/Tube:

Preferred: Serum gel

Acceptable: Red top

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial

Specimen Volume: Full tube

Collection Instructions:

1. Do not use alcohol to clean arm. Use alternative such as Betadine to cleanse arm before collecting any specimen for volatile testing.

2. Avoid exposure of specimen to atmosphere.

3. Within 2 hours of collection, centrifuge the specimen.

4. For serum gel tubes,  do not aliquot. Send centrifuged specimen in original tube.

5. For red-top tubes, aliquot serum into a plastic vial.


Specimen Minimum Volume

Serum: 0.5 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Serum Refrigerated (preferred) 14 days
  Frozen  28 days
  Ambient  24 hours

Reject Due To

Gross hemolysis OK
Gross lipemia OK
Gross icterus OK
 

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

Interpretation

Methanol:

The presence of methanol indicates exposure that may result in intoxication, central nervous system (CNS) depression, and metabolic acidosis. Ingestion can be fatal if patients do not receive immediate medical treatment.

 

Ethanol:

The presence of ethanol indicates exposure that may result in intoxication, CNS depression, and metabolic acidosis.

 

Isopropanol:

The presence of isopropanol indicates exposure that may result in intoxication and CNS depression. Ingestion can be fatal if patients do not receive immediate medical treatment.

 

Acetone:

The presence of acetone may indicate exposure to acetone; it is also a metabolite of isopropanol and may be detected during ketoacidosis.

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Saturday

Report Available

1 to 2 days

Specimen Retention Time

2 weeks

Test Classification

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

CPT Code Information

G0480

80320 (if appropriate for select payers)

Clinical Toxicology CPT Code Client Guidance

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
VLTS Volatile Scrn, S 50025-6

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
8632 Volatile Scrn, S 32044-0
30917 Methanol, S 5693-7
30918 Ethanol, S 5643-2
30919 Acetone, S 5568-1
30920 Isopropanol, S 5669-7
34376 Chain of Custody 77202-0

Forms

If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Therapeutics Test Request (T831) with the specimen.