Nickel/Creatinine Ratio, Random, Urine
Use
Measurement of urinary nickel relative to creatinine is useful as a biomonitoring approach for nickel exposure; elevated ratios suggest environmental or occupational nickel exposure and help assess exposure risk. Urine is preferred, though serum may verify elevated levels. Reference thresholds and interpretive guidance support clinical decision-making.
Special Instructions
If gadolinium‑ or iodine‑containing contrast media have been administered, specimen collection should be delayed for 96 hours. Use a clean plastic urine tube (10 mL) without metal cap or glued insert. Collect a random urine specimen following the Metals Analysis Specimen Collection and Transport instructions.
Limitations
Requires ultraclean collection containers and handling to avoid contamination; background contamination may yield misleading results. Cannot determine the chemical source of nickel exposure (e.g., nickel sulfate).
New York Approved
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry (ICP‑MS)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 13472-6
- 2161-8
- 13472-6
Result Turnaround Time
2-8 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Urine
Volume
3 mL
Minimum Volume
1.35 mL
Container
Plastic, 10‑mL urine tube or clean, plastic aliquot container with no metal cap or glued insert
Collection Instructions
Collect a random urine specimen; delay collection for 96 hours after gadolinium‑ or iodine‑containing contrast media; see Metals Analysis Specimen Collection and Transport instructions.
Patient Preparation
Avoid collection within 96 hours of gadolinium‑ or iodine‑containing contrast media administration.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerated (preferred), ambient or frozen acceptable
Causes for Rejection
All specimens will be evaluated for suitability; improper containers or contamination may lead to rejection.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 14 days |
| Refrigerated | 28 days |
| Frozen | 28 days |