Cobalt, Serum or Plasma
Also known as: COBALT S
Use
Serum cobalt levels are used to assess potential occupational exposure or toxic ingestion. Elevated cobalt concentrations may result from contamination during sample collection or due to underlying medical conditions, such as metal-on-metal hip replacements. Symptoms of cobalt toxicity can vary depending on exposure route, including cardiomyopathy and pulmonary issues. Proper collection techniques can help verify true levels, aiding in accurate assessment of exposure risks or medical conditions associated with elevated cobalt levels.
Special Instructions
Patients should be advised to discontinue nutritional supplements, vitamins, minerals, and nonessential medications before collection, as they might interfere with the test results. The test should be performed using a royal blue top tube, and the serum or plasma should be transferred to an ARUP Trace Element-Free Transport Tube as soon as possible.
Limitations
Elevated results may be due to skin or collection-related contamination, including the use of a noncertified metal-free collection/transport tube. It is recommended to confirm elevated cobalt levels with a second specimen collected in a certified metal-free tube. Additionally, serum cobalt levels can be significantly higher in patients with metal-on-metal hip replacements, even if they are asymptomatic.
New York Approved
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 5627-5
Result Turnaround Time
1-3 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
2 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Royal blue (no additive), royal blue (K2EDTA), or royal blue (NaHep)
Collection Instructions
Collect in a specified royal blue top tube. Separate from cells ASAP or within 2 hours of collection and transfer to an ARUP Trace Element-Free Transport Tube.
Patient Preparation
Patients should discontinue nutritional supplements, vitamins, minerals, and nonessential over-the-counter medications prior to test, following physician advice.
Storage Instructions
Room temperature storage is preferred; refrigeration or freezing is also acceptable.
Causes for Rejection
Use of non-specified containers; improper transportation containers.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Indefinitely |
| Refrigerated | Indefinitely |
| Frozen | Indefinitely |