: Ethylene Glycol, Urine (Deprecated Test)
: This is a deprecated urine test that was formerly used to detect ethylene glycol, the toxic alcohol found in antifreeze. It is included here for historical reference only and is not part of current routine testing.
[": This is an obsolete test name and is not used in current clinical practice."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 13642-4
- Short code
- Deprecated Ethylene Glycol Ur Ql
- Synonyms
- Deprecated Ethylene Glycol Ur Ql
- Category
- glucose
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
: What This Test Measures
: The slug describes a urine test intended to look for ethylene glycol, a sweet-tasting alcohol common in antifreeze and some industrial products. Ingestion is a medical emergency because the substance is toxic to the kidneys and other organs.
: Why It Is Marked Deprecated
: The "deprecated" prefix indicates that this test entry is retired and should not be ordered or reported. Current care relies on other laboratory tests and clinical assessment to evaluate suspected ethylene glycol exposure. Details about the original specimen handling or method should not be assumed from the name alone.
: How Exposure Is Evaluated Today
: If poisoning is suspected, emergency evaluation focuses on the patient's history, symptoms, and a panel of blood and urine tests that reflect acid-base balance and organ function. Clinicians do not rely on a single deprecated test name for decisions.
: Important Safety Note
: Suspected ethylene glycol ingestion requires immediate medical attention—call emergency services or a poison control center. Do not wait for laboratory results before seeking help.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
: Ethylene glycol poisoning is a time-sensitive emergency. Although this specific urine test is deprecated, the clinical concern remains serious, and modern evaluation combines history, physical findings, and current laboratory panels rather than any single legacy test.
Short name
: Ethylene Glycol (Urine)
Frequently asked questions
: Can I still order this test?
: Does a deprecated test mean the condition is no longer important?
: What should I do if I suspect ethylene glycol ingestion?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 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