Testing for 1,1-Dichloroethane Exposure: Blood and Urine Test Guide
A blood test that measures 1,1-dichloroethane levels to assess chemical exposure from occupational or environmental sources.
{"Measures 1,1-dichloroethane concentration in blood serum","Used to monitor workplace chemical exposure","Helps evaluate potential health risks from environmental toxins","Important for occupational health and safety monitoring"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 38699-5
- Short code
- DCAIR
- Synonyms
- 1,1-DCA Air-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Evacuated glass tube with Teflon-lined cap
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)
- CPT
- 82718
- SNOMED
- 444164008
- Specimen volume
- 5-10 mL whole blood collected in serum separator tube
- Stability
- Store at 4°C; analyze within 7 days. For long-term storage, freeze at -20°C or below.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 72–168 hours
- Order
- routine
This test measures the level of 1,1-dichloroethane in your body, usually with a blood or urine sample. It is used to find out whether you have come into contact with this industrial chemical, often after workplace exposure or contact with contaminated air, water, or soil.
The 1,1-Dichloroethane test measures the amount of 1,1-dichloroethane in your blood serum. Although the test name references "air," the sample type is blood serum because it detects the chemical after it has been absorbed into your body through inhalation, skin contact, or other exposure routes.
1,1-Dichloroethane is a clear, colorless, flammable liquid with a sweet, chloroform-like odor. It is a man-made chemical used mainly to manufacture other chemicals and certain solvents. Most people are not exposed to it in daily life, but it can be released into the environment near chemical plants, landfills, and hazardous waste sites.
1,1-Dichloroethane is a synthetic chemical compound used as a solvent in industrial processes, chemical manufacturing, and as a cleaning agent. It can be found in certain workplace environments and may pose health risks with prolonged or excessive exposure.
The test is performed on a sample of your blood or urine. For a blood test, a health care professional will clean the skin on your arm, wrap a band around your upper arm, and draw a small amount of blood from a vein using a thin needle. You may feel a quick sting, and the sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
A healthcare professional will draw a small blood sample from a vein in your arm. The sample is then sent to a laboratory where specialized equipment measures the concentration of 1,1-dichloroethane.
You may need this test if you have been exposed to 1,1-dichloroethane at work, live near a hazardous waste site or chemical facility, or drank water contaminated with the chemical. It may also be ordered if you have symptoms of exposure, such as dizziness, nausea, headache, or drowsiness, to help your provider evaluate your condition.
This test is commonly used for occupational health monitoring, especially for workers in industries that use or produce 1,1-dichloroethane. It may also be used in environmental health assessments if there is concern about community exposure to this chemical.
Reference range
No established clinical reference range. For occupational exposure monitoring, OSHA PEL ceiling is 100 ppm (400 mg/m3). Results should be interpreted in context of workplace exposure assessment.N/A
No specific preparation required. Avoid exposure to solvents, paints, or industrial chemicals prior to sample collection if possible. Inform laboratory of any occupational exposure history.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test helps healthcare providers assess whether an individual has been exposed to elevated levels of 1,1-dichloroethane. Elevated blood levels may indicate excessive exposure, which could lead to health effects including potential impacts on the liver, kidneys, and nervous system. Regular monitoring is important for occupational safety to ensure exposure levels remain within safe limits.
Frequently asked questions
Who typically needs this test?
Do I need to fast before this test?
What do the results mean?
Is this test dangerous?
Sources
- 1
- 2
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