Cobalt, whole blood

Diagnostic Use

Cobalt 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 excreted in the urine. Due to the low level of cobalt in body fluids urine cobalt is used as a measure of occupational exposure. Non-occupational exposure to cobalt can be the result of dental prosthesis and joint replacement. In this case plasma cobalt measurement may be of use

Department

Lipids/Trace Metals

Delphic Registration Code

BCO

Turnaround Time

5 days

Test Code

8768

Specimen Type

• Whole Blood

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Trace Element (Royal Blue Cap)

Acceptable

• EDTA (Lavender Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

6

No of Samples Required

1

Additional Specimen Information

Blood Chromium can be done on the same sample.

Aliquot Instructions

Sample Type

• Whole Blood

Minimum Volume (ml)

1

Transport to Lab

Chilled (2 - 8 degrees Celsius)
If overnight - Chilled (2 - 8 degrees Celsius)

Additional Referral/Aliquot Information

Blood Chromium can be done on the same sample.

Interpretation

Management recommendations for patients with metal-on-metal hip replacement implants;-

Plasma or blood Cobalt level > 119 nmol/L (7 ug/L (ppb)) or

Plasma or blood Chromium level > 135 nmol/L (7 ug/L (ppb)) indicates potential for soft tissue reaction.

Ref:Medicines and healthcare products Regulatory Agency (UK) MDA/2012/008

Reference Intervals

1- 12 nmol/l

To convert cobalt nmol/L to ug/L multiply by 0.059

for example 100 nmol/L = 5.9 ug/L (ppb)

Test Method

ICP-MS

Non-Funded Test Cost

$63.48 (Exclusive of GST)

Billing Code

8767

Contact Information

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