A rapid gas chromatographic method for determination of ethylene glycol in serum and urine

Intoxications with the antifreeze constituent ethylene glycol (EG) occur infrequently, but may be fatal if not recognized and treated promptly. The aim of the present work was to develop an analytical method for rapid diagnosis of EG poisoning and for monitoring EG removal by hemodialysis. EG was measured by gas chromatography upon direct injection of serum or urine samples (50 microL diluted in 200 microL of distilled water containing 2,3-butanediol as internal standard). A 2-m x 2-mm glass column with Chromosorb 101 (80/100 mesh) separates these glycols within four minutes at 200 degrees C, using nitrogen as the carrier gas. The glycols 1,2- and 1,3-propanediol were separated from EG and the internal standard. Acetone, methanol, and isopropanol did not interfere with the analysis. The limit of quantitation of EG was close to 0.5 mM. Because no derivatization, extraction, or concentration procedures were necessary, EG may be determined quantitatively within 30 min, allowing for monitoring of hemodialysis, which should be performed for 15 h in severe cases. The diagnosis of ethylene glycol intoxication in a late stage may be secured by analysis of urine collected on admission.