Laboratory: Clinical Biochemistry
Test Name:
VOLATILE SCREEN - (P)
Test Code: ALC
Clinical Information:
Test performed at:  St Boniface Hospital by Shared Health Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory using a gas chromatography (GC-FID) method. This is a laboratory developed test.
 
Ethanol, methanol and isopropanol are measured simultaneously.  Ethylene glycol is a separate test; on initial screen, lab will add Ethylene Glycol to the order.  Radiator antifreeze contains ethylene glycol.  Windshield washer antifreeze contains methanol.  Use soap and water to clean venipuncture site. 
Collection Devices:
Do not use separator gel.
Specimen Required: Any anticoagulant plasma or serum collected without gel is acceptable.

Specimen Stability:

Refrigerated: 14 days

Frozen:  28 days

Other comments: Reference for analyte stability: Mayo Clinic Laboratories
Referral:

Plasma or serum must be aliquoted.  Full aliquot tube is required.
Requisition:
Reference Values:
Not present unless consumed.                    
Methanol 
  Toxic:                >  6 mmol/L
  Lethal:               >30 mmol/L        (mmol/L x 3.2 = mg/dL)
Isopropanol  
  Toxic:                >12 mmol/L
  Lethal:               >35 mmol/L        (mmol/L x 6.0 = mg/dL)
Ethanol
  Toxic:                 >33 mmol/L
  Lethal:                >90 mmol/L       (mmol/L x 4.6 = mg/dL)
Acetone
   Toxic:                >3.4 mmol/L
Availability:
Stat or Routine
See Also:
More Information:
Do both volatile and ethylene glycol screens on the initial specimen.  If an ingestion is confirmed, subsequent analysis of methanol or ethylene glycol during treatment at approximately 4-6 hour intervals is appropriate.