Methanol

Clinical Chemistry

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Description

Methanol screening and quantitation is not routinely available.
Methanol is a widely used solvent occurring in paints, paint removers, antifreeze and windscreen washing fluids. Ingestion is followed by intoxication, after which there is classically a latent period, during which the toxic metabolites, acetaldehyde and formate are being produced. Local production of formate is probably responsible for the optic nerve damage resulting in blindness.

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Indications

Suspected methanol ingestion.  This assay is only available upon request. For STH users, the Toxicology laboratory (Monday to Friday 09:00 to 17:00) should be contacted to arrange sample analysis. Out of hours, advice can be sought from the on-call consultant for Clinical Chemistry. External users can contact the Toxicology laboratory 09:00 to 17:00 Monday to Friday. Samples from external users MUST be received by the laboratory by 14:00.  Please note that this assay is not available outside these times.

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Sample Type

Fluoride oxalate blood 2 mL ideally with no air space, or random fresh unpreserved urine (white top).

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Reference Range

Methanol is normally absent from the blood and urine.

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Turnaround Time

Within 1 day

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Testing Frequency

Available 09:00 to 16:00 Monday to Friday upon request. Analysis outside these times only by discussion with the On-call Consultant for Clinical Chemistry.

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Patient Preparation

Samples should be taken at least 2 hours after suspected ingestion.

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Please note: the above information is subject to change and we endeavour to keep this website up to date wherever necessary.