VOLATILES, WHOLE BLOOD Mnemonic VOLAT Synonym Ethanol Confirmation - Alcohol Confirmation Includes Methanol, Ethanol, Isopropanol, Acetone Guidelines This test may be used to confirm a medical Ethanol result from an automated instrument if indicated. This service was previously referred to as Volatiles. The term Volatiles is now used to indicate volatile substances other than Alcohols. Specimen Collection Requirements Patient Preparation Use iodine swab to clean draw site. DO NOT use isopropyl alcohol wipe. Collect Preferred: Whole Blood, one 4 mL gray top tube (sodium fluoride/potassium oxalate). Also acceptable: Serum or Plasma, one 7 mL red, one 4 mL dark green (sodium heparin) or one 4 mL lavender (EDTA) top tube; Urine, 10 mL. Handling Preferred: Submit entire unopened specimen. Refrigerate 2-8°C. If processed, make sure specimen has not been uncapped except to transfer to a clean tightly capped test tube. Preferred Volume 4 mL whole blood, 2 mL serum or plasma, or 10 mL urine Minimum Volume 2 mL whole blood, 1 mL serum or plasma, or 5 mL urine Transport Refrigerated Rejection Criteria Specimens below the minimum volume. Stability Ambient (20-25ºC): 24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8ºC): 72 hours; Frozen (at or below -20º): 2 weeks Testing Information Performed 7 days/week Reported 24 hours Method Headspace Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionization Detector Reference Values Reference Values Not Detected (<10 mg/dL) Toxic Levels (Plasma/Serum) Ethanol: (see Alcohol, Medical) Methanol: >20 mg/dL Acetone: >40 mg/dL Isopropanol: >40 mg/dL CPT Codes 80320; G0480 Last Updated: Thursday, January 5, 2017 03:42:34 AM