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HelpTest Code VLTB Volatile Screen, Blood
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Specimen Type
Whole bloodOrdering Guidance
This test is not performed using chain of custody. For chain of custody testing, order VLTBX / Volatile Screen, Chain of Custody, Blood.
Additional Testing Requirements
If measurement of ethylene glycol is also needed, order ETGL / Ethylene Glycol, Serum.
Specimen Required
Container/Tube:
Preferred: Gray top (potassium oxalate/sodium fluoride)
Acceptable: Lavendar top (EDTA) or green top (sodium heparin)
Specimen Volume: 2 mL
Collection Instructions: Do not use alcohol to clean arm. Use alternatives such as Betadine to cleanse arm before collecting any specimen for volatile testing.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL or amount to fill 1 tube
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Whole blood | Refrigerated (preferred) | 14 days |
| Frozen | 28 days | |
| Ambient | 24 hours |
Reference Values
Methanol:
Not detected (Positive results are quantitated.)
Toxic concentration: ≥10 mg/dL
Ethanol:
Not detected (Positive results are quantitated.)
Toxic concentration: ≥400 mg/dL
Isopropanol:
Not detected (Positive results are quantitated.)
Toxic concentration: ≥10 mg/dL
Acetone:
Not detected (Positive results are quantitated.)
Toxic concentration: ≥10 mg/dL
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Saturday
CPT Code Information
G0480
80320 (if appropriate for select payers)
Clinical Information
Volatile substances in blood include ethanol, methanol, isopropanol, and acetone. Acetone is generally elevated in metabolic conditions such as diabetic ketoacidosis. Methanol and isopropanol are highly toxic and result from exogenous ingestion.
Ethanol is one of the most widely abused legal substances in the United States. It is the active agent in beer, wine, vodka, whiskey, rum, and other liquors. Ethanol acts on cerebral function as a depressant similar to general anesthetics. This depression causes most of the typical symptoms, such as impaired thought, clouded judgment, and changed behavior. As the level of alcohol increases, the degree of impairment progressively increases.
In most jurisdictions in the United States, the per se blood level for being under the influence of alcohol (ethanol) for purposes of driving a motor vehicle is 80 mg/dL (0.08%).
Report Available
1 to 2 daysReject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | OK |
| Gross lipemia | Reject |
| Gross icterus | OK |
Method Name
Headspace Gas Chromatography Flame Ionization Detector (HSGC-FID)
Testing Algorithm
This test includes analysis of methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, and acetone.
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Therapeutics Test Request (T831) with the specimen.