Newcastle Laboratories

Paraquat screening (qualitative), urine

Clinical Background:

Paraquat is found in some weedkillers. It is incredibly toxic and it accumulates in all tissues, particularly the lungs. It usually results in fatality. It is removed by renal clearance. Diquat is ...

Paraquat is found in some weedkillers. It is incredibly toxic and it accumulates in all tissues, particularly the lungs. It usually results in fatality. It is removed by renal clearance. Diquat is a related substance which can also sometimes be identified using this screening test. Please seek advice from the National Poisons Centre if further information on this and management is required. This is a screening test designed to detect the presence of paraquat, not to provide a measure of consumption.

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Test Details

  • Discipline:

    Biochemistry

    Biochemistry

  • Specimen Container Adult:

    Plain universal container

    Plain universal container

  • Specimen Container Paediatric:

    Plain universal container

    Plain universal container

  • Minimum Volume Adult:

    10 mL urine

    10 mL urine

  • Minimum Volume Paediatric:

    10 mL urine

    10 mL urine

  • Freq Analysis:

    Assayed as required

    Assayed as required

  • Interpretation:

    A positive test would be suggestive of paraquat ingestion. However, pigmentation of the urine may interfere with reading of the test and result in a false positive result.

    A positive test would be suggestive of paraquat ingestion. However, pigmentation of the urine may interfere with reading of the test and result in a false positive result.

  • Routine Contact Name:

    Duty biochemist

  • Routine Telephone:

    Freeman: 0191 244 8889
    RVI: 0191 282 9719

    Freeman: 0191 244 8889
    RVI: 0191 282 9719

  • Routine Email:

Availability:

Assayed as required
Analysis out-of-hours must be discussed with the DMO.

Turn Around:

Within 1 hour

Send To:

Department of Blood Sciences - RVI

Level 3

Leazes Wing

Royal Victoria Infirmary

Queen Victoria Road

Newcastle upon Tyne

NE1 4LP

 

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