Nickel, 24 Hour, Urine
Use
Preferred test for biomonitoring patients for nickel exposure to minimize any potential diurnal variation. Urine is the specimen of choice for determination of nickel exposure, though serum concentrations can verify an elevated urine concentration. Values ≥6.0 mcg/24‑h indicate possible environmental or occupational exposure. Hypernickelemia in absence of exposure may reflect contamination or incidental finding, e.g., in dialysis patients. This test cannot determine the source compound responsible for exposure.
Special Instructions
Patient preparation: avoid gadolinium- or iodine-containing contrast media for 96 hours prior to collection due to interference. 24‑hour urine volume in milliliters is required. Collection: clean, plastic containers with no metal cap or glued insert. Refrigerate specimen within 4 hours of completion. See metals analysis and urine preservatives instructions for complete guidance. Forms available: Urine Preservatives‑Collection and Transportation for 24‑Hour Urine Specimens; Metals Analysis Specimen Collection and Transport.
Limitations
Specimen collection requires ultraclean handling procedures; any contamination may produce misleading elevated urinary nickel results. The test cannot identify the specific nickel compound (e.g., nickel sulfate) responsible for exposure. Reference intervals for individuals <18 years are not established.
New York Approved
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry (Other)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 13362-9
- 3167-4
- 5705-9
- 5705-9
- 13362-9
- 3167-4
Result Turnaround Time
2-8 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Urine
Volume
0.5 mL
Minimum Volume
0.3 mL
Container
Clean, plastic aliquot container with no metal cap or glued insert; Submission: Plastic, 10‑mL urine tube
Collection Instructions
Collect urine for 24 hours; refrigerate specimen within 4 hours of completion.
Patient Preparation
Avoid gadolinium- or iodine-containing contrast media for 96 hours prior to collection.
Causes for Rejection
All specimens will be evaluated for suitability.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 28 days |
| Refrigerated | 28 days |
| Frozen | 28 days |