Test Overview
Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)
Detecting cobalt toxicity or monitoring metallic prosthetic implant wear. Serum cobalt concentrations are likely to be increased above the reference range in patients with joint prosthesis containing cobalt. This test should not be used to assess vitamin B12 activity.
< 1.0 ng/mL
* Reference ranges may change over time. Please refer to the original patient report when evaluating results.
Test Details
5 - 9 days
- COS
- Cobalt, Serum
- Co (Cobalt), Serum
Specimen Requirements
Royal blue (trace element) and/or Metal-Free aliquot tubes are available from MLabs (800-862-7284). Collect blood in a royal blue top (trace element) tube with no preservative (serum). Allow specimen to clot for 30 minutes, centrifuge, and carefully pour serum into a metal-free aliquot tube, avoiding transfer of the cellular components of blood. Do not insert a pipet into the serum to transfer and do not ream the specimen with a wooden stick to assist with the transfer. Refrigerate up to 48 hours or freeze for longer storage. Do not collect specimens for trace metal testing from patients who have received gadolinium-, iodine-, or barium-containing contrast material within the past 96 hours. These metal-based contrast agents are known to interfere with laboratory techniques commonly used for trace metals analysis.
Additional Information
Test sent to Mayo Medical Laboratories.