Ethylene Glycol Concentration (Serum or Plasma)
This test measures the amount of ethylene glycol, a toxic substance found in antifreeze, in your blood. High levels can be dangerous and require prompt medical attention.
["Ethylene glycol poisoning can be life-threatening; this test helps doctors assess exposure risk quickly."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 59899-5
- Short code
- Ethylene Glycol Gast-sCnc
- Synonyms
- Ethylene Glycol Gast-sCnc
- Category
- glucose
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 10
- Ref high
- 40
- Critical range
- — – 500 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 84484
- SNOMED
- 302774002
- 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
Why Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you’ve ingested antifreeze or other ethylene glycol-containing products, have symptoms like confusion, vomiting, or difficulty breathing, or if you’ve been exposed to ethylene glycol in your workplace or environment. It’s also used in cases of suspected poisoning or unexplained metabolic acidosis.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a blood sample (serum or plasma) via a simple venipuncture. If you’re taking blood from your own vein at home, follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully to avoid contamination.
Your blood sample is drawn into a tube and sent to a lab for analysis using a sensitive detection method (likely immunoassay or chromatography). Results are typically available within 24 hours.
Ethylene glycol levels above normal can indicate poisoning. Very high levels may require immediate medical treatment, such as dialysis or supportive care, depending on symptoms and severity. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your symptoms and medical history.
Symptoms of Ethylene Glycol Poisoning
Symptoms of ethylene glycol poisoning can appear within hours of exposure and may include: early signs like nausea, vomiting, and a metallic taste in your mouth; later signs like confusion, seizures, coma, or kidney failure. Seek emergency care if you or someone else shows these signs.
Reference range
Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Ethylene glycol is metabolized in the body into toxic byproducts, including glycolic acid and oxalic acid, which can damage organs, especially the kidneys. Early detection via this test allows healthcare providers to intervene with treatments like ethanol infusion, forced diuresis, or dialysis to prevent severe complications.
Short name
Ethylene Glycol Level
Frequently asked questions
How is this test different from other toxicology screens?
What if my test results are elevated?
Can I prevent ethylene glycol poisoning?
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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy