JOURNAL ARTICLE

A False-Positive Gamma-Hydroxy Butyric Acid Urine Screening in a Patient with High Anion Gap Metabolic Acidosis Due to Ethylene Glycol Poisoning.

  • Published In: Journal of Analytical Toxicology, 2023, v. 47, n. 1. P. e10 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Steels, Sophie; Bont, Erika De; Verbinnen, Margo; Eede, Nele Van den; Pauwels, Steven 3 of 3

Abstract

This article focuses on a case of ethylene glycol poisoning that caused a false-positive result in an enzymatic urinary gamma-hydroxy butyric acid (GHB) screening assay. Ethylene glycol, an industrial solvent and common antifreeze component, can cross-react in enzymatic GHB assays, leading to elevated GHB readings without actual GHB presence, as confirmed by chromatographic analysis. A spiking experiment demonstrated that ethylene glycol itself, but not its metabolites, causes this interference at concentrations typical of intoxications. The report emphasizes the importance of confirmatory chromatographic testing for accurate diagnosis in suspected poisoning cases.

Additional Information

  • Source:Journal of Analytical Toxicology. 2023/01, Vol. 47, Issue 1, pe10
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Health and Medicine
  • Publication Date:2023
  • ISSN:0146-4760
  • DOI:10.1093/jat/bkac063
  • Accession Number:162005572
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of Journal of Analytical Toxicology is the property of Oxford University Press / USA and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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