Arsenic, Whole Blood
Also known as: ARS B
Use
The Arsenic, Whole Blood test is used for the detection of recent arsenic exposure, typically within less than 24 hours after exposure, and is suitable for identifying large-dose arsenic exposures. Blood arsenic assessment is primarily utilized for cases of recent exposure poisoning where urine arsenic tests are more appropriate for assessing chronic exposure.
Special Instructions
Patients should discontinue nutritional supplements, vitamins, minerals, and non-essential medications upon physician's advice and avoid shellfish and seafood for 48 to 72 hours prior to specimen collection.
Limitations
Potential elevated results may be due to contamination from skin or collection from non-certified metal-free tubes. It is recommended that a second specimen be collected in a certified trace element-free tube if contamination is suspected. Blood arsenic levels in healthy subjects can vary greatly based on diet and environmental exposure, indicating that blood arsenic is better for detecting acute rather than chronic exposure.
New York Approved
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 5583-0
Result Turnaround Time
1-3 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Whole Blood
Volume
3 or 6 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Royal blue (K2EDTA) or royal blue (NaHep) tube
Patient Preparation
Avoid shellfish and seafood for 48 to 72 hours. Discontinue nutritional supplements, vitamins, minerals under physician advice.
Storage Instructions
Room temperature storage is preferred, but refrigeration is acceptable. Do not freeze.
Causes for Rejection
Specimen collected in non-royal blue (K2EDTA/NaHep) tubes, clotted specimens, and transport in containers other than specified.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Indefinitely |
| Refrigerated | Indefinitely |
| Frozen | Unacceptable |