Related Experiment Videos
Does fluorescent urine indicate antifreeze ingestion by children?
M J Casavant1, M N Shah, R Battels
1Division of Clinical Pharmacology/Toxicology, Departments of Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine, Ohio State University College of Medicine and Public Health, Columbus, Ohio, USA. casavant@chi.osu.edu
Pediatrics
|January 3, 2001
Summary
Fluorescent urine does not reliably indicate antifreeze ingestion in children. Most children
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Toxicology
- Clinical Chemistry
Background:
- Fluorescent urine has been historically associated with ethylene glycol antifreeze ingestion.
- A recent case questioned this association, prompting further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if fluorescent urine is a reliable indicator of ethylene glycol antifreeze ingestion in children.
Main Methods:
- Urine specimens from 30 hospitalized children (unrelated to poisoning) and 16 healthy children were collected.
- Specimens were examined for fluorescence using a Wood's lamp.
Main Results:
- The majority of urine specimens from children exhibited fluorescence.
- Observer interpretation of fluorescence varied.
- Urine container type may affect fluorescence detection.
Conclusions:
- Fluorescent urine is not a specific indicator of ethylene glycol antifreeze ingestion in pediatric patients.
- Clinical suspicion for antifreeze poisoning should not solely rely on urine fluorescence.