Test Category: Specialist BiochemistryToxicology
Investigation Name:Ethylene / Diethylene Glycol
Alias or Abbreviation:ETHG
Accreditation:UKAS Accredited ISO15189:2022, on scope
Intro:
Ethylene glycol is a clear, odourless liquid commonly used in anti-freeze and other industrial solvents and applications. It is highly toxic when ingested.Measurement is important in cases of suspected ingestion to enable appropriate treatment. Indications for measurement may include known or alleged ingestion of antifreeze / industrial solvents, and in patients with unexplained osmolar gap or high anion gap metabolic acidosis.
Concentrations should be monitored until at a level that treatment can be safely withdrawn.
The laboratory offers an out-of hours service for ethylene glycol analysis. Samples should be discussed with the on-call consultant biochemist (contactable via Midland Metropolitan University Hospital switchboard) prior to sending.
Pathology Laboratory:Toxicology Laboratory
Requestable Seperately?Yes
Minimum Sample Volume:300 ul
Expected Turnaround Time:In routine hours: 1 hour from sample receipt.
Out of hours: 4 hours from sample receipt.
Test Code:ETHG
Sample Type:
Fluoride oxalate (grey top) tubes. EDTA samples may also be used.Tubes containing gel are not suitable due to potential interference.
Complex Reference Range:Ethylene and Diethylene Glycol should be undetectable (<25 mg/L)
Referred to Another Laboratory?No
Storage Requirements:Samples should be stored at 4°C prior to sending and should be sent at ambient temperature.
Posting Address / Requirements:In hours, samples should be couriered directly to the toxicology department if results are required urgently:
Toxicology Depertment
City Hospital
Dudley Road
Birmingham
B18 7QH
If samples will be arriving out of hours, please confirm address with the laboratory prior to sending.
Further information:Please inform the toxicology laboratory prior to sending any samples for analysis. For out of hours urgent analysis, please discuss with the on call duty biochemist.
Lead Contact Details:Dr Lauren Starbrook
Consultant Clinical Scientist
Email:lauren.starbrook@nhs.net
Email Address For Chasing Results:rwt-tr.bcpsspecialistchemistry@nhs.net
Site Sample Tested:City Health Campus
Cost:Please email: bcpspathology.info@nhs.net for further details
Contact Number:0121 507 4138
