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Methods of Testing for Polyethylene Glycol

Polyethylene glycol is a substance with a multitude of uses in all states of matter. It is an element of most antifreeze, some manufacturers are using it in toothpaste, and the military often uses it as a refrigerant for intake air during altitude simulations. In order to detect the presence or levels of polyethylene glycol, there are several possible methods.

  1. Clinical Tests

    • Due to antifreeze's popularity as an alcohol substitute and suicidal agent, it's important to be able to detect and diagnose ethylene glycol poisoning in a clinical setting. There are certain symptoms medical personnel should look for, and there are serum tests that can be performed, often using gas chromatography. In extreme cases, a renal biopsy can support or disprove a ethylene glycol poisoning diagnosis.

    Microwave Spectrometer

    • For gaseous substances, often the best way to detect polyethylene glycol is to use a microwave spectrometer. A spectrometer uses a sample of the substance in question along with a vacuum line, microwave transmitting windows and a crystal diode detector which will read the levels of electromagnetic radiation.

    Sampling and Laboratory Testing

    • In a situation where exact levels are extremely important and access to sensitive laboratory equipment is possible, the best idea is usually to take a sample of the substance in question and send it to a lab for test. They will likely perform gas chromatography and microwave spectrometer tests, but their methods and results will be more accurate and without as much margin for error.

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