Chromium, Synovial Fluid
Use
This test is useful for monitoring metallic prosthetic implant wear and local tissue destruction in failed hip arthroplasty constructs. It is important for patients with metal-on-metal hip implants, as synovial fluid measurements have shown to be more effective than whole blood and serum chromium concentrations in predicting local tissue destruction in failed hip arthroplasty constructs.
Special Instructions
Patients should be advised that high concentrations of gadolinium and iodine can interfere with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry-based metal tests. Therefore, if they have received gadolinium- or iodine-containing contrast media, a specimen should not be collected for at least 96 hours to avoid interference.
Limitations
This test should not be used to assess potential chromium toxicity. The presence of chromium in the environment can lead to contamination, and elevated trace element concentrations without clinical relevance cannot independently predict prosthesis wear or failure. The significance of chromium concentrations in synovial fluid in patients without implants is unknown.
New York Approved
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 95526-0
- 95526-0
Result Turnaround Time
2-8 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Other
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.4 mL
Container
Royal blue-top BD vacutainer with EDTA blood collection tube (3 mL)
Collection Instructions
Synovial fluid should not be collected in devices with black rubber plunger seals, as these may cause contamination with chromium.
Patient Preparation
Do not collect a specimen for at least 96 hours after administration of gadolinium- or iodine-containing contrast media.
Causes for Rejection
Use of disposable syringes with rubber plunger seals (cause contamination)
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 90 days |
| Refrigerated | 90 days |
| Frozen | 90 days |