Arsenic Speciation, 24 Hour, Urine
Use
Used for diagnosing arsenic intoxication by measuring various arsenic species in a 24-hour urine specimen. Inorganic arsenic (As[III], As[V]) and their methylated metabolites (MMA, DMA) are toxic and summed as 'toxic arsenic'; organic forms (e.g., arsenobetaine, arsenocholine) are nontoxic and commonly from food sources such as seafood. Toxic arsenic reference value is <35 µg/L (per ACGIH BEI).([mayocliniclabs.com](https://www.mayocliniclabs.com/test-catalog/Overview/609383?utm_source=openai))
Special Instructions
Specimen collection requires that the patient refrain from eating seafood for 48 hours before and during collection. If gadolinium- or iodine-containing contrast media was administered, delay collection for 96 hours. Collection involves a clean plastic container with no metal cap or glued insert. Refrigerate the 24-hour urine within 4 hours of completion. See Metals Analysis Specimen Collection and Transport for full instructions, and refer to the Urine Preservatives–Collection and Transportation for 24‑Hour Urine Specimens guidance.([mayocliniclabs.com](https://www.mayocliniclabs.com/test-catalog/Overview/609383?utm_source=openai))
Limitations
Seafood ingestion prior to collection may elevate organic arsenic levels, potentially confounding interpretation. Gadolinium and iodine contrast agents may interfere with ICP‑MS testing, necessitating delayed specimen collection.([mayocliniclabs.com](https://www.mayocliniclabs.com/test-catalog/Overview/609383?utm_source=openai))
New York Approved
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 96253-0
- 41992-9
- 96252-2
- 43181-7
- 96251-4
- 21074-0
Result Turnaround Time
3-5 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Urine
Volume
10 mL
Minimum Volume
3 mL
Container
Clean, plastic urine collection container; plastic 10‑mL tube or clean plastic aliquot container with no metal cap or glued insert
Collection Instructions
Collect urine for 24 hours; refrigerate within 4 hours of completion; patient should refrain from seafood for 48 h prior and during collection; delay if gadolinium/iodine contrast within prior 96 h
Patient Preparation
Avoid seafood for 48 h before and during collection; if gadolinium‑ or iodine‑based contrast given, wait 96 h before collection
Causes for Rejection
Specimens evaluated for suitability; interference from contrast media or improper collection may result in rejection
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 72 hours |
| Refrigerated | 28 days |
| Frozen | 28 days |