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General
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Clinical Use:
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Confirming and monitoring ethylene glycol toxicity.
Ethylene glycol, present in antifreeze products, may be ingested accidentally or for the purpose of inebriation or suicide. Ethylene glycol itself is relatively nontoxic, and its initial central nervous system (CNS) effects resemble those of ethanol.
However, metabolism of ethylene glycol by alcohol
dehydrogenase results in
the formation of a number of acid metabolites, including oxalic acid and glycolic acid. These acid metabolites are responsible for much of the toxicity of ethylene glycol.
Adverse effects include signs of intoxication, abdominal pain, metabolic acidosis, CNS depression and renal failure. Any amount of ethylene glycol in plasma may be associated with toxicity. Monitoring should include determination of ethylene glycol and glycolic acid levels. |
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Availability:
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Aliases/Synonyms:
| Antifreeze, |
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Code:
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ETG |
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Handling Instructions (to laboratory):
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Send sample chilled. |
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Hyperlink:
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Reference Interval:
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Not normally present.
Toxic: > 2 mmol/L
Lethal: > 20 mmol/L
Conversion: mmol/L x 0.06207 = mg/mL.
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Collection Requirements
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Container:
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Serum, no gel (RED), |
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Sample Type:
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See container |
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Minimum Collection Volume:
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3mL |
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Collection Instructions:
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Processing Requirements
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Alternate Containers:
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Lithium Heparin, No Gel (DKGNLITH) |
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Processing Instructions:
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Centrifuge and separate sample. |
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Minimum Assay Volume:
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1mL |
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Stability:
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Transport Instructions (to testing laboratory):
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Send sample chilled.
Requests should be reviewed by Duty Biochemist prior to transport. |
Testing Locations
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Performed at:
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Section
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Department
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Site
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Contact Phone
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Laboratory |
SSWPS-Royal Prince Alfred Hospital |
(02) 9515 8279 |
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Last Updated : 23-11-2023 13:43 |