Test Overview
Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)
Detecting toxic thallium exposure.
Age 0-17 years: not established; age >or= 18 years: <2 ng/mL.
* Reference ranges may change over time. Please refer to the original patient report when evaluating results.
Test Details
2 - 6 days
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 EDTA (K2). Immediately mix blood sample by inverting gently 8 times. Refrigerate and send intact whole blood specimen. 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
Thallium is a by-product of lead smelting and is found in some depilatories and rodenticides. Thallium is rapidly absorbed via ingestion, inhalation, skin contact, and through mucous membranes. Test sent to Mayo Medical Laboratories.