Glycol Panel, Serum

Test Overview

Method

Gas chromatrography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID)

Result Included

Ethylene glycol; Diethylene glycol; Propylene glycol

Specimen

Specimen Type

Serum

Containers

Preferred Containers

Red top (no additive)

Acceptable Containers

Gold top (clot activator & gel)

Volume

Sample Volume

1.0 mL

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Collection & Handling

Collection Instructions

To evaluate possible toxicity, collect and submit multiple specimens. Collect the first specimen 4 – 6 hours post ingestion and another specimen 3 – 4 hours later. Indicate clearly on the specimen and requisition the collection time for each specimen.

Handling Information

Separate specimens within 2 hours of collection. Ensure that collection times are clearly indicated if submitting multiple specimens. Store and send cold.

Stability

Ambient	Refrigerated	Frozen
2 days	14 days	30 days

Repeated freeze/thaw cycles should be avoided.

Performance & Interpretation

Turnaround Time

3 days

Results

Ethylene glycol

mmol/L

< 1.0
Toxic Range: > 3.2
Diethylene glycol

mmol/L

< 1.0
Propylene glycol

mmol/L

< 1.0

Comment

Propylene Glycol is commonly used as a vehicle for many oral and intravenous medications.

Referral Location

Canada

Interface & Setup

HL7 Interface Codes

Order Code	Result Name	Result Codes	Units
GLYPAN S	Ethylene Glycol	2910	mmol/L
	Diethylene Glycol, Serum	66290	mmol/L
	Propylene Glycol, Serum	66291	mmol/L

Test Version

Last Updated

2026-04-09