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 immediate medical attention.
["Ethylene glycol poisoning can be life-threatening; prompt detection is critical."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 109665-0
- Short code
- Ethylene Glycol Msmt Gast
- Synonyms
- Ethylene Glycol Msmt Gast
- 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, or if you show symptoms like confusion, nausea, vomiting, or difficulty breathing. It’s also used in cases of suspected poisoning or unexplained metabolic disturbances.
What to Expect During the Test
A small blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm. You may feel a slight pinch, but it usually doesn’t cause discomfort. The sample is sent to a lab for analysis.
How the Test Results Are Interpreted
Results are compared to known toxic levels of ethylene glycol. Very high levels may indicate poisoning, while borderline or low levels may prompt further investigation or monitoring.
Symptoms and Warning Signs
Ethylene glycol poisoning can cause symptoms within hours, including severe headache, dizziness, rapid breathing, seizures, or even coma. If you suspect poisoning, seek emergency care immediately.
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 poisoning can damage organs like the kidneys and liver, and may lead to metabolic acidosis (a dangerous buildup of acid in the blood). Early detection and treatment with antidotes (like fomepizole or ethanol) improve outcomes.
Short name
Ethylene Glycol Level
Frequently asked questions
What causes high ethylene glycol levels in the blood?
How soon after exposure should I expect test results?
Can I drink water before or after the test?
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