Aluminum, Serum
Use
The test is useful for monitoring aluminum toxicity in patients undergoing dialysis as well as for routine aluminum screening and monitoring metallic prosthetic implant wear. Under normal physiologic conditions, aluminum is eliminated completely through kidney filtration. However, patients in kidney failure lose this ability, leading to aluminum toxicity. This can occur from exposure to aluminum-laden dialysis water or aluminum-laden albumin, ineffective dialysis in removing aluminum, oral aluminum-based phosphate binder gels ingestion, which might be absorbed, and other sources.
Special Instructions
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Renal Diagnostics Test Request with the specimen. Refer to the Metals Analysis Specimen Collection and Transport instructions for complete guidelines on specimen collection. Be aware of potential contamination during collection as vacutainer stoppers and other materials can introduce aluminum into the sample.
Limitations
Specimen contamination can lead to inaccurate results. Standard blood collection tubes can introduce aluminum contamination due to their rubber stoppers composed of aluminum-silicate, potentially increasing aluminum levels by 20 to 60 ng/mL. Use of wooden applicator sticks or pipette tips can also lead to specimen contamination. Royal Blue BD top tubes can elevate aluminum values artificially, so results should be interpreted with caution.
New York Approved
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 5574-9
- 5574-9
Result Turnaround Time
1-4 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1.2 mL
Minimum Volume
0.3 mL
Container
6-mL Plain, royal blue-top Vacutainer plastic trace element blood collection tube
Collection Instructions
High concentrations of gadolinium and iodine may interfere with results; if such media have been administered, wait 96 hours before collecting a specimen.
Patient Preparation
If gadolinium- or iodine-containing contrast media has been administered, a specimen should not be collected for 96 hours.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis, gross lipemia, and gross icterus are acceptable.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 28 days |
| Refrigerated | 28 days |
| Frozen | 28 days |