Clinical Research Directory

Effect of Activated Charcoal on Serum Osmolality, Osmolal Gap, and Enzymatic Ethylene Glycol Assay

The goal of this observational study is to determine whether a clinically relevant dose of activated charcoal raises the serum osmolality and osmolal gap in a population of healthy volunteers. Secondarily to determine whether the same dose creates a false positive result using an enzymatic assay. 1. Does a clinically relevant dose of commercially available activated charcoal raise the osmolal gap above the baseline of a healthy volunteer? 2. Does the same dose of charcoal cause a false positive enzymatic assay for ethylene glycol? Participants will be asked to consume a dose of activated charcoal and have serial blood draws for laboratory measurements.