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Order Code VLTB Volatile Screen, Blood

Reporting Name

Volatile Scrn, B

Useful For

Detection and quantitation of acetone, methanol, isopropanol, and ethanol in whole blood

 

Quantification of the concentration of ethanol in blood that correlates with the degree of intoxication

 

Evaluation of toxicity to the measured volatile substances

 

This test is not intended for use in employment-related testing.

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Specimen Type

Whole blood


Ordering Guidance


This test is not performed using chain of custody. For chain of custody testing, order VLTBX / Volatile Screen, Chain of Custody, Blood.



Additional Testing Requirements


If measurement of ethylene glycol is also needed, order ETGL / Ethylene Glycol, Serum.



Specimen Required


Container/Tube:

Preferred: Gray top (potassium oxalate/sodium fluoride)

Acceptable: Lavendar top (EDTA) or green top (sodium heparin)

Specimen Volume: 2 mL

Collection Instructions: Do not use alcohol to clean arm. Use alternatives such as Betadine to cleanse arm before collecting any specimen for volatile testing.


Specimen Minimum Volume

0.5 mL or amount to fill 1 tube

Specimen Stability Information

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

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

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Saturday

CPT Code Information

G0480

80320 (if appropriate for select payers)

Method Description

Samples are analyzed and quantified by headspace gas chromatography with flame ionization detection.(Baselt RC. Disposition of Toxic Drugs and Chemicals in Man, 10th ed, Biomedical Publications; 2014:2211)

Reject Due To

Gross hemolysis OK
Gross lipemia Reject
Gross icterus OK
 

Method Name

Headspace Gas Chromatography Flame Ionization Detector (HSGC-FID)

Testing Algorithm

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

Forms

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