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Methods of Testing for Ethylene Glycol

Ethylene glycol poisoning is a medical emergency. A blood test can determine whether someone has ingested the common household chemical. Widely used as the primary ingredient in automotive antifreeze, the chemical ethylene glycol is colorless and odorless but has a somewhat sweet taste. It is highly toxic and affects the brain, lungs, liver and kidneys. People sometimes drink it mistakenly. Animals will drink it because of its sweet taste.

  1. Human Blood Test

    • A blood test is the only sure way to confirm ethylene glycol poisoning. The test requires a blood draw from a vein, with the sample placed into a centrifuge to isolate the plasma. It can be done from one to 12 hours after someone has ingested ethylene glycol and should be conducted only by a medical professional to ensure accurate results. Human poisoning from ethylene glycol can induce severe shock, organ failure or death.

    Animal Testing

    • Cats and dogs often will attempt to ingest ethylene glycol because of its sweet taste. Like all poisons, antifreeze should always be kept in a sealed container on a shelf out of the reach of children and pets. Mail order kits can be obtained for testing of ethylene glycol in pets. The kits require pet owners to draw blood, which then must be centrifuged. This should be done at a veterinarian's office. For best results, a veterinarian should perform the entire test.

    30-Minute Tests

    • PRN Pharmacal manufactures a veterinary ethylene test kit that can be read in about 30 minutes. While it still requires a blood draw, these 30-minute kits can be read much faster than other test kits. This EGT kit is indicated only for dogs and may not be able to detect toxicity levels in cats. While described only for dogs, the National Institutes of Health has been investigating this chromatography method for use in diagnosing humans.

    Ethylene Glycol Characteristics

    • In its pure form, ethylene glycol has a sweet taste and no odor. These characteristics make it particularly dangerous in households, where children and pets might attempt to drink the liquid for its taste. Chemical manufacturers generally add a bittering agent that makes the taste unappealing. It is used most commonly as the principal ingredient in antifreeze because of its low freezing point and high boiling point. It has an oily consistency.

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