What is the sodium dithionite test?
The sodium dithionite test Is a urine test rarely performed in the clinical setting to differentiate diquat poisoning from other pesticides. It is performed by mixing 1 gram of sodium dithionite and 1 gram of sodium bicarbonate and with 10ml of the patient’s urine. If positive, the urine will turn green. A a darker colored urine is associated with a higher level of exposure. Of note, paraquat exposures lead to a blue colored urine change with the test.
Jones GM, Vale JA. Mechanisms of toxicity, clinical features, and management of diquat poisoning: a review. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol. 2000;38(2):123-8. doi: 10.1081/clt-100100926. PMID: 10778908.
Contributed by Juan Rodriguez, PGY-3 Emergency Medicine resident, St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima, Ohio