Acetaldehydeairmcnc
This test measures the concentration of acetaldehyde in air, primarily used for occupational health monitoring and environmental exposure assessment.
{"Measures acetaldehyde levels in air samples","Used to monitor workplace chemical exposure","Important for occupational safety and health","Helps identify potential respiratory hazards","Used in environmental and industrial settings"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 38584-9
- Short code
- ACTALD-AIR
- Synonyms
- Acetaldehyde Air-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Tedlar bag or equivalent inert gas sampling bag, or activated charcoal tube for personal air sampling
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 25
- Critical range
- — – 50 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) or headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-GC-MS)
- CPT
- 83704
- SNOMED
- 713124006
- Specimen volume
- 10-50 liters of air at ambient temperature and pressure for bag sampling; or 100-200 mg of activated charcoal for tube sampling
- Stability
- Analyze within 24 hours of collection; if delayed, store at 4°C for up to 7 days; protected from light
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Air Acetaldehyde test measures the amount of acetaldehyde present in air samples. Acetaldehyde is a chemical compound commonly found in industrial environments, tobacco smoke, and as a byproduct of certain manufacturing processes. This test is typically performed in workplace settings to ensure air quality meets safety standards.
How is the test performed?
Air samples are collected using specialized sampling devices. These samples are then analyzed in a laboratory using sensitive instrumentation to determine the concentration of acetaldehyde in parts per million (ppm) or milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m³). The test is usually conducted by occupational health and safety professionals.
Why is this test important?
Acetaldehyde is a potential health hazard when present in high concentrations. Prolonged exposure can irritate the respiratory system, eyes, and skin. This test helps employers and safety officers monitor exposure levels and implement appropriate protective measures to maintain a safe working environment.
Reference range
OSHA PEL: 200 ppm (8-hour TWA); NIOSH REL: 10 ppm (10-hour TWA); ACGIH TLV: 25 ppm (8-hour TWA)N/A
Patient should avoid smoking, alcohol consumption, and exposure to other aldehydes for at least 2 hours prior to sample collection. Provide occupational history including job duties, duration of exposure, and use of personal protective equipment.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Who needs this test?
What are the safety limits for acetaldehyde in air?
What happens if acetaldehyde levels are too high?
Is acetaldehyde exposure dangerous?
Sources
- 1
- 2NIOSH - AcetaldehydeSource
- 3LOINC Code ReferenceSource
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