Ethylene glycol

Alternative names, keywords

Ethane-1,2-diol, antifreeze

Samples required

Fluoride/oxalate blood (grey cap, 5 mL tube) - fill tube maximum blood draw (2 mL). Smaller tubes are available for paediatric samples.

Test indications

Suspected ethylene glycol/ anti-freeze poisoning.

Test information

For diagnosis of ethylene glycol/ methanol ingestion request testing on fluoride oxalate (grey top sample) collected closest to admission.

Suggest discussing case with National Poisons Information Service (NPIS) prior to sample collection (tel. no 0344 892011). Referral lab may require NPIS approval before accepting samples for analysis.

Please contact the biochemistry laboratory in advance to inform them a sample will be sent for analysis.

Please ensure U&E, glucose, ethanol, osmolality and anion gap have also been analysed in the laboratory.

The laboratory will arrange for samples to be couriered to an appropriate referral laboratory. A cost centre from the requesting ward / physician will be required to arrange this outside routine hours. Please give full contact details so referral lab can telephone results through.

Reference range

Not applicable.

Turnaround time

Birmingham referral lab offer ethylene glycol service every day 9 am – 10 pm. TAT same day once sample received.

Enquiries

Biochemistry (Toxicology)