Arsenic, Fractionated, Urine

Also known as: AS UF

Clinical Use

Use

This test is useful when exposure to arsenic is known but the species is uncertain. It is used to distinguish between organic, inorganic, and methylated species of arsenic in urine. The inorganic species of arsenic are most toxic, whereas the organic species are considered nontoxic and typically arise from dietary sources. Methylated species arise primarily from metabolism of inorganic species but may also come from dietary sources and are of moderate toxic potential. This test provides insight into arsenic exposure and assists in evaluating overall toxicity risk associated with different arsenic species.

Special Instructions

Not provided.

Limitations

Elevated results may arise from contamination due to the use of non-trace element-free collection containers or from urine collected within 48 hours after administration of gadolinium-containing contrast media. Specimen contamination with blood or fecal matter also invalidates the sample. If contamination is suspected, a second specimen collected in a certified trace element-free container is advisable for confirmation. The test may yield levels lower than the total arsenic concentration if unidentified organic species of arsenic are present.

Test Details

New York Approved

Methodology

Mass Spectrometry

Biomarkers

Arsenic, Inorganic

Analyte

Concentration / Level

Concentration / Level • Quantitative (Continuous) (e.g., copies/mL, % expression)

Arsenic, Methylated

Analyte

Concentration / Level

Concentration / Level • Quantitative (Continuous) (e.g., copies/mL, % expression)

Arsenic, Organic

Analyte

Concentration / Level

Concentration / Level • Quantitative (Continuous) (e.g., copies/mL, % expression)

LOINC Codes

Result Codes

12481-8 - Inorg Arsenic Ur-mCnc
53779-5 - Arsenic.methylated Ur-mCnc
53778-7 - Arsenic organic Ur-mCnc
93479-4 - Observation Imp

Result Turnaround Time

1-10 days

Specimen

Urine

Volume

8 mL

Minimum Volume

2 mL

Container

ARUP Trace Element-Free Transport Tubes

Collection Instructions

Collect in a plastic container. Refrigerate during collection. Record total volume and time interval on transport tube and test request form.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerated. Also acceptable: Room temperature or frozen.

Causes for Rejection

Urine collected within 48 hours after administration of gadolinium (Gd) contrast media, acid preserved urine, specimens contaminated with blood or fecal material, non-trace element-free transport tubes except the original device.