Cobalt Occupational Exposure, Random, Urine
Use
This test is useful for screening for occupational exposure to cobalt, particularly inhalation of dust during machining of cobalt-alloyed metals, which can cause interstitial lung disease. Cobalt, although an essential cofactor in vitamin B12, can cause acute toxicity including pulmonary edema, allergy, nausea, vomiting, hemorrhage, kidney failure, and chronic issues like pulmonary syndrome, skin disorders, and thyroid abnormalities. Improper handling of radioactive cobalt (60Co) may lead to radiation poisoning.
Special Instructions
Patient preparation: Avoid specimen collection for 96 hours following administration of gadolinium- or iodine-containing contrast media due to potential interference with ICP-based metal testing. Collection instructions: At the end of the work week, collect a random urine specimen at the end of the employee’s work shift. Supplies: Urine Tubes, 10 mL (T068). Use clean, plastic urine collection containers and submission tubes with no metal caps or glued inserts. See “Metals Analysis Specimen Collection and Transport” for complete instructions.
Limitations
Elevated urine cobalt results can result from external contamination; metal-free urine collection procedures must be followed. High concentrations of gadolinium and iodine can interfere with test results. All specimens are evaluated for suitability prior to testing. Reference intervals: Not established in individuals under age 18. For those aged 18 or older, the ACGIH Biological Exposure Index is a concentration of approximately ≥14.9 µg/L at end of shift/week. Creatinine reference range for adults is 16–326 mg/dL. Interpretation requires context regarding exposure timing and sample integrity.
New York Approved
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS/MS)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 13468-4
- 13468-4
- 2161-8
- 5628-3
Result Turnaround Time
2-8 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Urine
Volume
3 mL
Minimum Volume
2 mL
Container
Clean, plastic urine collection container with no metal cap or glued insert; submission in plastic 10 mL urine tube or clean plastic aliquot container with no metal cap or glued insert
Collection Instructions
At the end of the work week, collect a random urine specimen at the end of the employee’s work shift; see Metals Analysis Specimen Collection and Transport
Patient Preparation
Do not collect if gadolinium‑ or iodine‑containing contrast media administered within prior 96 hours
Causes for Rejection
All specimens will be evaluated at Mayo Clinic Laboratories for test suitability
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 14 days |
| Refrigerated | 28 days |
| Frozen | 28 days |