Cobalt is a naturally occurring element widely distributed in the environment, it is an essential trace element and is utilised as a component of B12. Cobalt is absorbed by inhalation and ingestion and the amount absorbed depends on the solubility, soluble compounds are easily absorbed and rapidly excreted in the urine. Due to the low level of cobalt in body fluids urine cobalt is used as a measure of occupational exposure.
Occupationally cobalt is used as an alloy in the production of hard metal (tungsten carbide), manufacture of high temperature alloys for jet engines, in magnets and as a catalyst in after burners. It is also used as an alloy in joint prostheses. Workers in the Sawdoctor and Knifegrinder industries are at risk from inhalation of cobalt from the dust created during grinding processes.
Lipids/Trace Metals
UCO
Recommended sampling time is POST SHIFT - the last 2 hours to immediately following the end of the working day and end of working week, after at least 4 days of exposure.
Send to separating if ambient. Send to trace metals if frozen.
Aliquot to Core laboratory for UCRN
5 days
4294