Bromide, Plasma (Occupational)

Diagnostic Use

Methyl bromide is a gaseous chemical used as a fumigant for large enclosed industrial and agricultural areas. Bromide is also used as a sedative. Bromides act by depressing central nervous system activity and have shown moderate anticonvulsant activity against tonic seizures. They are now very seldom used as anticonvulsants.

Methyl bromide is known to be partially converted to inorganic bromide. The contribution of this metabolite to the toxicity of the parent compound is unclear, but since inorganic blood concentrations after methyl-Br poisoning are generally much lower than during intoxication of bromide salts, it seems likely that the methyl-Br is the primary toxic agent. Toxicity may develop after a latent period of several hours and is manifested by confusion, abdo pain, weakness, nausea, convulsions, coma and occasionally pulmonary edema.

Department

Lipids/Trace Metals

Delphic Registration Code

PBR

Laboratory Handling

Phlebotomy

Recommended sampling time is POST SHIFT - the last 2 hours to immediately following the end of the working day.

Turnaround Time

5 days

Test Code

9168