Understanding Your Laboratory Test: A Patient Guide to Testing and Results
This test measures the level of 1,4-dioxane, an industrial chemical, in your blood to evaluate potential exposure.
{"1,4-Dioxane is a chemical solvent used in manufacturing and found in some consumer products","This test checks if you have been exposed to 1,4-Dioxane through blood measurement","Exposure mainly occurs in occupational settings or through contaminated water","The test is typically ordered for people working in industries using this chemical","High levels may indicate need for medical monitoring or intervention"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 14258-8
- Short code
- DIOX
- Synonyms
- 1,4Dioxane Bld-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Lavender top (EDTA) tube or specialized volatile organic compound (VOC) collection tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 1
- Critical range
- — – 5 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 18 years
- Method
- Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
- CPT
- 84600
- SNOMED
- 372729005
- Specimen volume
- 2-5 mL whole blood
- Stability
- Store at 2-8°C if analyzed within 7 days; freeze at -20°C or below for longer storage. Protect from light and air exposure.
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 50
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 72–168 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test, and what does it check for in my body?
The 1,4-Dioxane blood test measures the amount of 1,4-dioxane in your blood sample. 1,4-Dioxane is a synthetic chemical compound primarily used as a solvent in industrial processes, including textile manufacturing, paper production, and as a stabilizer for certain chemicals. It can also be found as an impurity in some consumer products like cosmetics, detergents, and household cleaners.
Why might my healthcare provider recommend that I have this test done?
Your doctor may order this test if you work in an industry where 1,4-dioxane is used, such as manufacturing, textile, or chemical production. It may also be ordered if there is concern about environmental exposure, such as contamination of drinking water sources. Additionally, it can be used for occupational health monitoring and surveillance programs.
How is this test performed, and what should I expect during the procedure?
A healthcare professional will collect a blood sample from a vein in your arm using a small needle. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. The test measures the mass concentration of 1,4-dioxane in your blood (reported as mass/volume). No special preparation is typically required, but follow your healthcare provider's instructions.
What do my test results mean, and how will my doctor explain them to me?
Results are typically reported as nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) or similar mass/volume units. Your doctor will interpret the results based on your exposure history, occupation, and clinical symptoms. There is no universally established 'normal' range, as any detectable level may indicate exposure. Your healthcare provider will discuss what your specific results mean for your health.
Reference range
No established reference range for general population. Background levels typically <1.0 ng/mL in non-occupationally exposed individuals.N/A
No special preparation required. Avoid contamination from environmental sources during collection. Inform laboratory of potential occupational exposure history.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
1,4-Dioxane is classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a probable human carcinogen (Group 2A). Chronic exposure may be associated with increased risk of liver and kidney damage. The test is primarily used for occupational health monitoring to ensure workplace safety and for evaluating individuals with potential environmental exposure. It helps healthcare providers assess exposure levels and determine if protective measures or medical interventions are necessary.
Frequently asked questions
Is 1,4-Dioxane dangerous?
How might I be exposed to 1,4-Dioxane?
What happens if my test results are elevated?
Do I need to fast before this test?
How long does it take to get results?
Sources
- 1
- 2EPA - 1,4-DioxaneSource
- 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 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy