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HelpTest Code VLTU Volatile Screen, Random, Urine
Reporting Name
Volatile Scrn, UUseful For
Detecting the presence of acetone, methanol, isopropanol, or ethanol in urine with subsequent quantitation
Testing Algorithm
This test includes analysis of methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, and acetone.Method Name
Headspace Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detector (HSGC-FID)
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Specimen Type
UrineOrdering Guidance
For best clinical correlation, the recommended tests are either VLTS / Volatile Screen, Serum; or VLTB / Volatile Screen, Blood.
Specimen Required
Supplies: Urine Tubes, 10 mL (T068)
Container/Tube: Plastic, 10-mL urine tube
Specimen Volume: 10 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Collect a random urine specimen.
2. No preservative is required.
Specimen Minimum Volume
1 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Urine | Refrigerated (preferred) | 14 days | |
| Frozen | 28 days | ||
| Ambient | 24 hours |
Reject Due To
All specimens will be evaluated at Mayo Clinic Laboratories for test suitability.Reference Values
Methanol:
Not detected (Positive results are quantitated.)
Cutoff concentration: 10 mg/dL
Toxic concentration: ≥10 mg/dL
Ethanol:
Not detected (Positive results are quantitated.)
Cutoff concentration: 10 mg/dL
Isopropanol:
Not detected (Positive results are quantitated.)
Cutoff concentration: 10 mg/dL
Toxic concentration: ≥10 mg/dL
Acetone:
Not detected (Positive results are quantitated.)
Cutoff concentration: 10 mg/dL
Toxic concentration: ≥10 mg/dL
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Saturday
CPT Code Information
80320
G0480 (if appropriate)
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| VLTU | Volatile Scrn, U | 24350-1 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| 8826 | Volatile Scrn, U | 12983-3 |
| 30904 | Methanol, U | 5695-2 |
| 30905 | Ethanol, U | 5645-7 |
| 30906 | Acetone, U | 5570-7 |
| 30907 | Isopropanol, U | 9434-2 |
| 34378 | Chain of Custody | 77202-0 |
Clinical Information
Urine provides a medium for easy screening for methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, and acetone.
Interpretation
Methanol:
The presence of methanol indicates exposure that may result in intoxication, central nervous system (CNS) depression, and metabolic acidosis. Ingestion of methanol 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 of isopropanol 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.
Cautions
Quantitation of acetone, methanol, isopropanol, or ethanol in urine correlates poorly with degree of intoxication.
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)