The concentration of whole blood manganese is about 10 times higher than in serum therefore the manganese from contamination is proportionately less significant, eliminating some sampling precautions. Whole blood manganese may better reflect manganese stores in tissue, therefore, it is recommended to use whole blood samples for assessment of manganese status and long term occupational exposure. Manganese is used in iron, steel and battery production industries. Occupational exposure to manganese is through the lungs via inhalation during mining of manganese ores and welding of mild steel (used as a toughening agent). Permanganate compounds are used in glass and ceramics industries and are also used as powerful oxidising agents.
Toxic effects
Exposure to high levels of manganese can cause non-specific symptoms and signs of neurological deterioration including irritability, apathy asthenia, headaches, lethargy and weakness in the extremities, and in a few cases can lead to Parkinson's disease. These symptoms are believed to arise due to excess manganese deposition in the basal ganglia which can be seen as hyper-intense areas on MRI of the brain.
Neurological effects exhibit Parkinson like symptoms, including behavioural and emotional disturbances, if diagnosed in the early stages these effects can be reversed. Some haematological changes may also be observed, such as greatly reduced white cell count (leucopoenia) and lymphocytosis, or an increase in haemoglobin count. However, in some cases there may be no changes at all.
Lipids/Trace Metals
BMN
Sample timing is not critical for occupational exposure. Blood Manganese is the sample of choice for occupational monitoring.
Do not separate.
Gross haemolysis OK, gross lipemia OK, gross icterus OK
Ambient 28 days, refrigerated (preferred) 28 days, frozen 28 days
7 days
6400