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 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.
Specimen container paediatric:
Plain universal container
Specimen container adult:
Plain universal container
Minimum volume paediatric:
10 mL urine
Minimum volume adult:
10 mL urine
Freq analysis:
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.