Acetonitrileurmcnc
This test measures the amount of acetonitrile in your urine to check for exposure to this toxic chemical.
{"Acetonitrile is a chemical used in industrial and laboratory settings","The test helps determine if you have been exposed to acetonitrile","Urine sample is collected and analyzed in a laboratory","Exposure can occur through inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion","Results help healthcare providers assess workplace safety and health risks"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 12987-4
- Short code
- AcnU
- Synonyms
- Acetonitrile Ur-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Clean, sterile, labeled urine container without preservatives
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 0.5
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 18 years
- Method
- Headspace Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (HS-GC-MS)
- CPT
- 84600
- SNOMED
- 39873001
- Specimen volume
- 10-50 mL preferred
- Stability
- Refrigerate at 2-8°C if analyzed within 7 days; store at -20°C for longer periods; protect from light and heat
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 48–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The urine acetonitrile test measures how much acetonitrile, a toxic chemical compound, is present in your urine. Acetonitrile (also called methyl cyanide) is a colorless liquid used in many industrial applications, including manufacturing plastics, solvents, and pesticides. It is also used in some laboratory procedures and cosmetic products. Because acetonitrile can be harmful if inhaled, absorbed through the skin, or swallowed, this test helps determine if you have been exposed to dangerous levels of this chemical.
The test is typically performed when there is a concern about workplace exposure, such as in industrial settings, laboratories, or manufacturing facilities where acetonitrile is used. Healthcare providers may order this test as part of occupational health monitoring or if symptoms of acetonitrile exposure are present.
Reference range
Not detected; or < 0.5 mg/L (laboratory-specific cutoff)N/A
Collect clean-catch midstream urine sample; avoid contamination with external sources; inform laboratory of potential occupational exposure history; no fasting required
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Acetonitrile exposure primarily occurs in occupational settings where workers handle this chemical without adequate protection. Short-term exposure to high levels of acetonitrile can cause symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness or death. Long-term or repeated exposure may lead to more serious health effects including damage to the nervous system, liver, and kidneys.
This test is important for occupational health and safety monitoring. It helps employers and healthcare providers assess whether workplace safety measures are adequate and whether workers are being properly protected from harmful chemical exposure. The test may also be used in emergency situations when acute exposure is suspected, helping guide treatment decisions.
Results are interpreted based on the concentration of acetonitrile in the urine and may be compared to reference values or exposure limits established by occupational health organizations. Elevated levels indicate recent exposure, as acetonitrile and its metabolites are typically eliminated from the body within a few days.
Frequently asked questions
How is this test performed?
Does the test require any special preparation?
What do the results mean?
Is the test safe?
How often should this test be done?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 3
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