2,5-Hexanedione Urine Test
This test measures the level of 2,5-Hexanedione in your urine, a chemical byproduct your body produces when it breaks down n-hexane, a toxic industrial solvent commonly used in printing, shoe manufacturing, petroleum refining, and adhesive production. It is used mainly for occupational health monitoring to detect whether someone has been exposed to harmful levels of n-hexane, which can damage the peripheral nervous system and cause numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and loss of coordination in the hands and feet. The test requires only a simple urine sample, either a single collection or a 24-hour collection for more accurate results, and is safe and non-invasive with no special preparation usually needed. Results are reported as milligrams per liter (mg/L) or as a ratio to creatinine, and elevated levels indicate significant workplace exposure. Early detection helps prevent long-term nerve damage, and regular testing is recommended for workers in industries where n-hexane exposure is possible.
{"2,5-Hexanedione is a breakdown product of n-hexane, a common industrial solvent","This test helps monitor occupational exposure in workers using n-hexane products","Elevated levels may indicate n-hexane poisoning, which can affect the nervous system","The test is performed on a urine sample collected over 24 hours or as a spot sample","Regular testing is recommended for workers in high-risk industries like printing and shoe manufacturing"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 31170-4
- Short code
- 2,5-Hex
- Synonyms
- 2,5Hexanedione Ur-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Clean, labeled urine container (sterile plastic container with screw cap)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 0.5
- Critical range
- — – 5 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 18 years
- Method
- Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) or Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
- CPT
- 82520
- SNOMED
- 313272009
- Specimen volume
- Minimum 10 mL, preferably 20-50 mL
- Stability
- Refrigerate at 2-8°C if analysis within 7 days; Freeze at -20°C or below for longer storage; Protect from light
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The 2,5-Hexanedione urine test measures the amount of 2,5-Hexanedione in your urine. 2,5-Hexanedione is a chemical that your body produces when it breaks down n-hexane, a solvent widely used in industrial settings. This test is primarily used for occupational health monitoring to check if workers have been exposed to dangerous levels of n-hexane.
Why is it important?
N-hexane is commonly used in industries such as printing, shoe manufacturing, petroleum refining, and adhesives production. Exposure to high levels of n-hexane can cause serious health problems, particularly damage to the peripheral nervous system (peripheral neuropathy). Early detection of exposure through this test can help prevent long-term nerve damage.
How is the test performed?
The test requires a urine sample. Your healthcare provider may request either a spot urine sample (single collection) or a 24-hour urine collection for more accurate results. The sample is then sent to a laboratory where the concentration of 2,5-Hexanedione is measured. No special preparation is typically needed, but follow your healthcare provider's specific instructions.
What do the results mean?
Results are typically reported as milligrams of 2,5-Hexanedione per liter of urine (mg/L) or as a ratio to creatinine. Normal (background) levels may vary depending on environmental exposure. Elevated levels indicate significant occupational exposure to n-hexane. Your occupational health department or healthcare provider will interpret your results based on your work history and potential exposure levels.
Reference range
Less than 0.5 mg/L (or as per laboratory reference range); Non-exposed individuals typically have undetectable levelsN/A
Collect urine at end of work shift preferred; Avoid contamination of sample; Provide occupational exposure history
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
The 2,5-Hexanedione urine test is essential for occupational health surveillance in workers exposed to n-hexane. It helps detect both acute and chronic exposure before symptoms appear. Elevated levels correlate with the risk of developing n-hexane-induced peripheral neuropathy, which causes symptoms like numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness in the extremities. This test is also used to evaluate the effectiveness of workplace exposure controls and to comply with occupational safety regulations.
Frequently asked questions
Who should have this test?
What are the symptoms of n-hexane exposure?
How can I reduce my exposure to n-hexane?
Is the test painful or dangerous?
Sources
- 1
- 2OSHA - n-HexaneSource
- 3NIOSH - n-HexaneSource
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy