Understanding Your Diagnostic Test and What the Results May Mean
This test checks for the presence of 1,4-dioxane, a potentially harmful chemical, in your blood.
{"1,4-Dioxane is an industrial chemical that may cause cancer with long-term exposure","This test is mainly used for workers who handle this chemical on the job","Results show whether you have been exposed to 1,4-dioxane through your work or environment","The test requires a simple blood draw from your arm","If you work with solvents or cleaning products, your employer may require this test"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 27423-3
- Short code
- DIOX
- Synonyms
- 1,4Dioxane SerPl Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or plain red top tube
- Units
- 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 (may vary by methodology)
- SNOMED
- 122465000
- Specimen volume
- 2-3 mL serum
- Stability
- Room temperature: 24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 72–168 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test? This diagnostic test is used to evaluate a specific aspect of your health, help identify possible medical conditions, or monitor how well a treatment is working. Your healthcare professional can explain why it was ordered and what information it may provide.
The 1,4-Dioxane blood test detects whether this chemical is present in your bloodstream. 1,4-Dioxane is a clear liquid used in industrial processes, particularly as a solvent for dyes, oils, and greases. It is also found in some consumer products like cosmetics, detergents, and cleaning agents. The test is typically ordered for workers in industries where 1,4-Dioxane is used or produced, as part of occupational health monitoring programs.
How is the test performed? The procedure depends on the type of test and may involve a blood, urine, saliva, or tissue sample, or measurements taken from your body using specialized equipment. Your healthcare team will explain how to prepare and what to expect.
A healthcare professional will draw a small sample of blood from a vein in your arm. The blood sample will be collected in a special tube and sent to a laboratory for analysis. You do not need to fast or prepare specially for this test. The blood sample will be tested to determine whether 1,4-Dioxane is present in your system.
What do the results mean? Results are interpreted using reference ranges, your symptoms, medical history, medications, and other findings. A result outside the usual range does not always indicate disease, so discuss the findings with your healthcare professional before drawing conclusions.
A "negative" or "not detected" result means 1,4-Dioxane was not found in your blood at the time of testing. A "positive" or "detected" result indicates that you have been exposed to 1,4-Dioxane. Your healthcare provider or occupational health specialist will explain what this means for your specific situation and whether any follow-up actions are needed.
Reference range
Not DetectedN/A
No special preparation required. Avoid exposure to products containing 1,4-dioxane (certain cosmetics, detergents, adhesives) for 24-48 hours before sample collection if possible. Inform laboratory of any occupational or environmental exposure history.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
1,4-Dioxane is classified as a probable human carcinogen (Group 2B) by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Long-term occupational exposure to this chemical may increase the risk of liver and kidney damage. This test is primarily used for occupational health monitoring to ensure that workplace safety measures are adequate and to protect workers who handle this chemical. Environmental exposure may also occur through contaminated groundwater near industrial sites.
Frequently asked questions
Why do I need this test?
Is the test painful?
How long does it take to get results?
What should I do if my result is positive?
Can I reduce my exposure to 1,4-Dioxane?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 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