Serum

Patient Prep: Diet, medication, and nutritional supplements may introduce interfering substances. Patients should be encouraged to discontinue nutritional supplements, vitamins, minerals, nonessential over-the-counter medications (upon the advice of their physician).

2 mL serum from Red top tube (no additive)

Specimens collected in containers other than specified. Specimens transported in containers other than specified.

1-5 days upon receipt at reference laboratory

Less than or equal to 1.0 μg/L

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 serum/plasma cobalt, confirmation with a second specimen collected in a certified metal-free tube is recommended.

Serum 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.

Royal Blue trace metal tube available from Specimen Control (356-3527) 6240 RCP.

Quantitative Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry

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