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Test Code
VOSC
Test Name
Volatile Screen
CPT Codes
AMA 80320, CMS G0480
Expected Turnaround Time
Same day
Clinical Utility

Useful for detecting, identification, and quantitation of the Volatile Substances listed below and for assessing possible toxic levels.

Testing includes:

  • Ethanol
  • Acetone
  • Isopropanol
  • Methanol
Specimen and Container Info

Preferred Specimen Type: Whole Blood

Preferred Collection Container: Grey Top Tube (Sodium Fluoride, Potassium Oxalate)

Desired Specimen Volume: 3 mL 
Collection Instructions

Prepare skin with Betadine® or Zephiran®

Note: Do not use an alcohol swab.
Processing and Submission Instructions

 This test is performed on whole blood. Do not centrifuge.

Transport Instructions

Transport to the laboratory refrigerated. 
Causes for Rejection

Specimens collected in separator tubes and tubes that have been uncapped will be rejected.   
Methodology
Headspace-Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionization Detection (HS-GC-FID)
Critical Values

 Analyte

Critical Value (mg/dL)

Critical Value (%)

Ethanol

>200

0.2

Acetone

>20

0.02

Isopropanol

>20

0.02

Methanol

>10

0.01
Limitations

Analyte

Reporting Limit (mg/dL)

Ethanol

10

Acetone

5

Isopropanol

5

Methanol

5
Performing Location
Roble Road Core Laboratory
Alternate Names
  • Ethanol
  • Ethyl Alcohol
  • Alcohol
  • Acetone
  • Isopropanol
  • Methanol
  • Methyl Alcohol
  • Wood Alcohol
Testing Schedule
Routine daily, STAT testing available
The American Medical Association (AMA) Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes published by HNL Lab Medicine are guidelines and are intended for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the exclusive responsibility of the billing entity. View the Terms.
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