Cobalt, Blood




Test Mnemonic

COBALB

CPT Codes

  • 83018 - QTY (1)

Performing Laboratory

ARUP


Specimen Requirements

Volume Type Container Collect Temperature Transport Temperature Special Instructions
6 mLWhole bloodEDTA (Royal blue) AmbientDiet, medication and nutritional supplements may introduce interfering substances. Patients should be encouraged to discontinue nutritional supplements, vitamins, minerals, and non-essential over the counter medications (upon the advice of their physician). Transport specimen in original collection tube.

Minimum Specimen Requirements

Volume Type Container Collect Temperature Transport Temperature Special Instructions
0.5 mL     

Stability

Environmental Condition Description
AmbientIndefinitely
RefrigeratedIndefinitely
FrozenUnacceptable

Days Performed

Sun - Sat

Turnaround Time

2 - 6 days

Methodology

Name Description
Inductively Coupled Plasma / Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) 

Reference Range

Cobalt Blood Test
Sex Age From Age To Type Range Range Unit
   Years99 YearsNormal0.5-3.9ug/L

Special Info

Specimens collected and/or transported in containers other than specified will be rejected. Clotted specimens are unacceptable.

Clinical Info

Blood cobalt levels can be used in the assessment of occupational exposure or toxic ingestion. Symptoms associated with cobalt toxicity vary based on route of exposure and may include cardiomyopathy, allergic dermatitis, pulmonary fibrosis, cough, and dyspnea. Blood is the preferred specimen type for evaluating metal ion release from metal-on-metal joint arthropasty. Elevated results may be due to skin or collection-related contamination, including the use of a noncertified metal-free collection/transport tube. If contamination concerns exist due to elevated levels of blood cobalt, confirmation with a second specimen collected in a certified metal-free tube is recommended.