ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

Methanol : 0090165

Mnemonic: METHANOL

Methodology: Quantitative Gas Chromatography
Performed: Sun-Sat
Reported: 1-2 days
Specimen Required: Patient Prep: For medical purposes only. Timing of specimen collection: Dependent on time of exposure - test upon presentation to hospital.

Collect: Plain red. Also acceptable: Lavender (EDTA), pink (K2EDTA), green (sodium heparin), gray (sodium fluoride/potassium oxalate).

Specimen Preparation: Do not freeze whole blood. Separate serum or plasma from cells within two hours of collection. Transfer 3 mL serum or plasma to an ARUP Standard Transport Tube. (Min: 0.5 mL)
Specimens collected in gray (sodium fluoride/potassium oxalate) may be transported in the original container.

Storage/Transport Temperature: Refrigerated.

Stability (collection to initiation of testing): After separation from cells: Ambient: 1 week (if tightly capped); Refrigerated: 2 weeks (if tightly capped); Frozen: 1 month (except whole blood)
Reference Interval:
Effective February 19, 2013
 
Therapeutic Range No therapeutic range - Limit of detection: 5 mg/dL
Toxic Level Greater than 20 mg/dL

Interpretive Data: Toxic concentrations may cause intoxication, metabolic acidosis, ocular toxicity, CNS depression and fatality if patients do not receive medical treatment. 
CPT Code(s): 84600
Cross References: Methyl Alcohol (Methanol), Wood Alcohol (Methanol)