Cobalt, Plasma

Create a Free Account to View Prices

Category:

Turnaround Time: 2 - 4 days
CPT Code:

83018

Test Type: 2 mL Plasma
Stability Time:

Temperature

Period

Room temperature

14 days

Refrigerated

14 days

Frozen

14 days

Freeze/thaw cycles

Stable x3
Reference Range:

 

• Environmental exposure: <1.0 μg/L

• Occupational exposure: BEI® (sampling time is end of shift at end of work week): 1.0 μg/L1

Overview:

Monitor industrial exposure to cobalt.

This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by LabCorp. It has not been cleared or approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

Cobalt poisoning through chronic exposure may result in pulmonary fibrosis, cough, and dyspnea. Acute exposures are generally characterized by an allergic dermatitis.2 Cobalt is employed industrially in certain grades of steel and in tungsten carbide tools, and cobalt compounds are used as pigments in paints. In addition, cobalt is an essential element in man, supplied through dietary intake at an average of 280 μg/day. Although cobalt is found in the general environment, overexposure typically occurs in the industrial environment, primarily through the inhalation of cobalt dust and/or fumes. Cobalt exposure can also occur as a result of ingesting medications such as cobaltous chloride. Blood is the preferred specimen for measuring acute or recent exposure.

1. BEI® (Biological Exposure Indices) based on 2010 Recommendations of the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH).

2. Baselt RC, Cravey RH. Disposition of Toxic Drugs and Chemicals in Man. 4th ed. Chemical Toxicology Institute;1995.

Collection Details:

Collection Instructions:

Royal blue-top (EDTA) tube.

Separate plasma immediately after the collection, and transfer to a certified metal-free plastic transport tube (PeopleSoft N° 111166) for shipment to the laboratory.

Maintain specimen at room temperature.