Citation

Ford LT, Berg JD. Ann. Clin. Biochem. 2015; 53(Pt 4): 459-465.

Affiliation

SWBH NHS Trust.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Royal Society of Medicine Press)

DOI

10.1177/0004563215603731

PMID

26342003

Abstract

BACKGROUND: We present a 5 year review of our UK service for plasma ethylene glycol (EG) and diethylene glycol (DEG) determination in cases of acute poisoning.

METHODS: EG and DEG have been measured on all samples received for screening for toxicity by GC-FID over a five year period. A detailed audit of the results has been undertaken.

RESULTS: In this period we received 811 requests, 56% were for first time screening and 44% repeat analysis where a positive sample has already been received. Of the first time screen samples 33.5% screened positive for glycol poisoning. The mean positive EG concentration was 1204 mg/L (range 31 to 8,666 mg/L). DEG was present in 14% of EG positive samples but never found alone.

CONCLUSIONS: The data presented here suggests it is not essential to measure DEG since its inclusion is rarely likely to change patient management.

Language: en