Cobalt, Serum
Use
The Cobalt, Serum test is useful for detecting cobalt toxicity and monitoring the wear of metallic prosthetic implants. Elevated cobalt levels in serum can indicate exposure to cobalt, which is commonly associated with industrial environments or the wear of prosthetic devices containing cobalt. It is essential to evaluate such serum concentrations in a clinical context, as separate elevated levels do not independently predict prosthetic wear or failure. The test is crucial for patients with metal-on-metal implants for assessing potential adverse effects and guiding further clinical management.
Special Instructions
The test is not suitable for assessing vitamin B12 activity; alternate tests such as the Vitamin B12 Assay, Serum are recommended for this purpose. Proper specimen collection is critical; it must be collected in a metal-free environment to avoid contamination. Patients should avoid specimen collection within 96 hours of receiving gadolinium or iodine-based contrast media, which may interfere with test results.
Limitations
The test does not quantify the radioactive isotope of cobalt, (60)Co. High concentrations of gadolinium or iodine can interfere with the test, so caution is advised if such substances are administered before specimen collection. Elevated cobalt levels due to improper collection practices may lead to misleading results. This test's usage and interpretation should be within a clinical context and in conjunction with patient history, including potential sources of cobalt exposure.
New York Approved
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 5627-5
- 5627-5
Result Turnaround Time
1-4 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1.6 mL
Minimum Volume
0.3 mL
Container
Plain, royal blue-top Vacutainer plastic trace element blood collection tube
Collection Instructions
See Metals Analysis Specimen Collection and Transport for complete instructions. High concentrations of gadolinium and iodine can interfere with the test; avoid specimen collection for 96 hours after administration.
Patient Preparation
Avoid gadolinium or iodine contrast media 96 hours prior to specimen collection.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerated is preferred. Other acceptable temperatures are ambient or frozen, all up to 28 days with a metal-free container.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 28 days |
| Refrigerated | 28 days |
| Frozen | 28 days |