Paraquat and Diquat

Clinical Chemistry

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Description

Both paraquat and diquat are components of some weedkillers.  They are structurally and chemically related.  While weedkillers containing paraquat were discontinued several years ago stocks may remain. Diquat is approved for use and is available in the UK.

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Indications

Suspected parquat/diquat ingestion.  This assay is only available upon request. For STH users, the Toxicology laboratory (Monday to Friday 09:00 to 17:00) must 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 laboratories MUST arrive before 14:00.  Please note that this assay is not available outside these times.

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Sample Type

Plain random urine (white top) or gastric aspirate, >1 mL.

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Reference Range

Paraquat and diquat are normally absent from urine and gastric aspirate samples.

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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

No special patient preparation is required. Urine samples should ideally be collected more than 4 hours after suspected exposure

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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.