2butoxyacetateurmcnc
A urine test that measures 2-butoxyacetate, a breakdown product of 2-butoxyethanol, to assess exposure to certain industrial chemicals.
{"Measures 2-butoxyacetate in urine, a metabolite of 2-butoxyethanol","Used to monitor occupational exposure to glycol ether chemicals","Helps identify excessive exposure from workplace or household products","Sample collected as a random urine specimen","Results help assess safety of chemical exposure levels"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 35585-9
- Short code
- 2-BUA
- Synonyms
- 2-Butoxyacetate Ur-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile plastic urine container (60-100 mL capacity)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 5
- 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
- 82379
- SNOMED
- 271225004
- Specimen volume
- Minimum 10 mL, preferred 50 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C): 30 days
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 48–168 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The urine 2-butoxyacetate test measures the amount of 2-butoxyacetate (also called butoxyacetic acid or BAA) in your urine. 2-Butoxyacetate is a natural breakdown product of 2-butoxyethanol, a chemical compound commonly used in industrial and household products. When you are exposed to 2-butoxyethanol, your body processes it and produces 2-butoxyacetate, which is then excreted in urine.
Why is it done?
This test is primarily used in occupational health settings to monitor workers who may be exposed to 2-butoxyethanol or other glycol ether compounds on the job. It may also be used to investigate unexplained symptoms in individuals who have been exposed to products containing these chemicals. Industries that commonly use 2-butoxyethanol include manufacturing of paints, inks, cleaners, cosmetics, and automotive products.
How is the test performed?
A healthcare provider will collect a urine sample in a sterile container. This is typically a random urine sample, meaning it can be collected at any time of day. The sample is then sent to a laboratory where specialized equipment measures the concentration of 2-butoxyacetate. No special preparation is usually required, but you should inform your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking.
Reference range
Non-exposed population: < 5 mg/L; Occupational exposure biological exposure index (BEI): 200 mg/L (end-of-shift urine)N/A
Collect urine specimen in a clean, sterile plastic container. No special preparation required. Inform laboratory of any medications or supplements. Avoid contamination of specimen with foreign materials.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings2
Frequently asked questions
Is this test painful?
How long does it take to get results?
Do I need to fast before this test?
What do the results mean?
How can I reduce exposure to 2-butoxyethanol?
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